jimmā
jimmā is the Marshallese word for grandpa.
This noun is used to refer to a grandfather in an informal way.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Did you know?
- In many Austronesian languages, including Marshallese, kinship terms are closely tied to land rights and lineage, meaning a 'grandfather' is not just a relative but a link to ancestral territory.
- The Marshallese language uses a complex system of 'inclusive' and 'exclusive' pronouns when talking about a jimmā and other family members.
- While English uses 'grandfather' for both sides of the family, a Marshallese speaker would use entirely different words for a maternal or paternal 'grandpa' than the informal jimmā.
Example conversation
Samuel and Jane are looking at old family photographs.
- SamuelIlik jimmā.This is my grandpa.
- JaneE mōmōne iien?Was he kind?
- SamuelEe, e mōmōne iio.Yes, he was very kind.
- JaneIakwe iio.I love him.
