دادا جی
dada jiaffectionate, father's father
For an affectionate "grandpa" in Pakistan, children say دادا جی (dada ji) for their father's father and نانا جی (nana ji) for their mother's father. It is also called دادا ابو (dada abbu) and نانا ابو (nana abbu).
Meaning: affectionate word for grandfather (noun)
Ways to say it
| Pakistan | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| دادا جی | dada ji | affectionate, father's father |
| نانا جی | nana ji | affectionate, mother's father |
| دادا ابو | dada abbu | affectionate |
| نانا ابو | nana abbu | affectionate |
جی (ji) adds warmth and respect. Some families say دادا ابو (dada abbu) or نانا ابو (nana abbu), "grandfather father", which feels very tender.
Which one should you use?
The more formal دادا جان (dada jaan) and نانا جان (nana jaan) are close in feeling. All of these come down to the habit of the family.
When do people say it?
Grandpa is usually the person who takes the children to the mosque or for a walk after the evening prayer.
Did you know?
- بیٹی (beti), "daughter", is what a grandfather calls a granddaughter, just as بیٹا (beta) is used for a grandson.
Examples in context
- دادا جی مجھے پارک لے گئے۔dada ji mujhe park le gaye.Grandpa took me to the park.
- نانا جی کہانی سناتے ہیں۔nana ji kahani sunate hain.Grandpa tells stories.
- نانا ابو، آپ کیسے ہیں؟nana abbu, aap kaise hain?Grandpa, how are you?
Example conversation
Little Eman talks to her paternal grandfather in the garden of their house in Faisalabad.
- Emanدادا جی، آج پارک چلیں؟dada ji, aaj park chalen?Grandpa, shall we go to the park today?
- Dadaہاں بیٹی، تیار ہو جاؤ۔haan beti, tayyar ho jao.Yes dear, get ready.
- Emanشکریہ دادا جی!shukriya dada ji!Thank you Grandpa!
