де́душка
déduškamasculine
The Russian word for "grandpa" is де́душка (déduška). Wiktionary also lists деду́ля (dedúlja).
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| де́душка | déduška | masculine |
| деду́ля | dedúlja | masculine |
де́душка is used both as a term of endearment for one's own grandfather and as a polite way to address an elderly man.
Which one should you use?
де́душка is the neutral or informal standard form, whereas деду́ля is a more affectionate, diminutive and highly informal version of "grandpa" used within families.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although де́душка ends in –а, it is a masculine noun and follows masculine declension patterns in the accusative case. For example, to say "I see grandpa", you would say Я вижу де́душку.
How do you pronounce it?
déduška
Did you know?
- In Russian folklore, the character Дедушка Мороз is the equivalent of Santa Claus, though he is literally 'Grandfather Frost' and travels with his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden.
- The word де́душка is a 'diminutive' form of the formal word дед, which simply means 'grandfather' or 'old man'.
- Russian has a vast array of even smaller 'diminutive' forms for this word, such as де́дулечка, which expresses an even deeper level of sweetness and warmth.
Examples in context
- Дед, расскажи мне историю о войне!Grandpa, tell me a story about the war!
Example conversation
Ekaterina is showing a photo to Alexander.
- Екатерина EkaterinaСмотри, это мой де́душка.Smotri, eto moy dedushka.Look, this is my grandpa.
- Александр AleksandrОн выглядит очень молодым.On vyglyadit ochen' molodym.He looks very young.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, де́душка занимается спортом.Da, dedushka zanimayetsya sportom.Yes, grandpa does sports.
- Александр AleksandrЭто просто здорово!Eto prosto zdorovo!That is just great!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandpa” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
