өвөө
övöö/ˈɵw̜ɵː/
The Mongolian word for grandpa is өвөө (övöö).
өвөө is a noun used specifically to refer to a grandfather.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While өвөө refers to a grandfather, the word аав is used for father. If you need to specify a paternal grandfather (your father's father), you should use the phrase аав өвөө.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is övöö. The IPA is /ˈɵw̜ɵː/.
Did you know?
- While өвөө is the term for grandfather, the concept of ancestry in Mongolian culture often links the 'grandpa' figure to the spiritual protection of the household.
- When speaking to a grandfather, Mongolians often use the honorific plural form of verbs to show deep respect.
- While өвөө refers to a grandfather, it can also be used as a friendly way to address a stranger who is significantly older than you.
Examples in context
- Өвөө маш уужирхай хүн.Övöö mash uužirkhai khün.My grandpa is a very kind person.
- Өвөө бидэнд ирж байна.Övöö bidend irj baina.Grandpa is coming to see us.
- Миний өвөө эмнэлэгт байгаа.Minii övöö emnelegt baigaa.My grandpa is in the hospital.
Example conversation
Sarantuya and Bat are talking about their family photos.
- Сарантуя SarantuyaЭнэ зураг хэн бэ?Ene zurag khen be?Who is this in the picture?
- Бат BatЭнэ бол миний өвөө.Ene bol minii övöö.This is my grandpa.
- Сарантуя SarantuyaТэр маш залуу харагдаж байна.Ter mash zaluu kharagdad baina.He looks very young.
- Бат BatТийм ээ, энэ хуучин зураг.Tiim ee, ene khuuchin zurag.Yes, this is an old photo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry өвөө, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
