dedko
/ɟetkɔ/masculine
dedko is the Slovak word for grandpa.
dedko is an informal and affectionate noun used to refer to a grandfather.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
dedko is the affectionate way to say 'grandpa'. It differs from the more neutral/standard term dedo and the formal term starý otec, which is the standard word for 'grandfather'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you need to indicate possession, such as 'grandpa's house', use the genitive form dedkov. If you are giving something to or speaking to grandpa, use the dative form dedkovi.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɟetkɔ/
Did you know?
- If you were to call a stranger dedko in a shop, it could be taken as a slight insult to their age, whereas calling a family member the same word is a sign of love.
- The root of dedko, which is dedo, is related to the Proto-Slavic word for 'ancestor' or 'elder', linking the word directly to the concept of lineage.
- While dedko is affectionate, using the formal term starý otec in a casual family setting can actually sound cold or distant, almost as if you are addressing a stranger.
Examples in context
- Keď som bol malý, dedko a babka ma chodievali varovať. V noci v posteli mi babka čítavala alebo dedko rozprával príbehy.When I was little, grandpa and grandma would come to baby-sit. At night in bed grandma would read to me. Or grandpa would tell a story.This sentence shows how to use dedko when talking about stories told by a grandfather.Tatoeba #9833233 by Dominika7, translation #387651 by Dorenda
- Tato, môžeme si ísť zahrať futbal?Grandpa, can we go play soccer?
- Dedko dnes pripravil skvelú večeru.Grandpa prepared a great dinner today.
Example conversation
Zuzana and Jakub are looking at old family photos.
- ZuzanaPozri, kto je to na tejto fotke?Look, who is this in this photo?
- JakubTo je môj dedko, keď bol mladý.That is my grandpa when he was young.
- ZuzanaVyzerá veľmi dobre.He looks very good.
- JakubÁno, dedko bol športovec.Yes, grandpa was an athlete.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandpa” translations and entries dedko, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dedko, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
