dede
/dede/from spelling rules
The Turkish word for grandpa is dede.
The word dede is used both as a kinship term and as a respectful way to address elderly men in certain social contexts.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While dede is the common, informal term for grandpa, büyükbaba is a more formal way to say grandfather.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my grandpa," add the possessive suffix -im to the word to get dedem. To say "your grandpa" in a singular or informal sense, add the suffix -en to get deden. The plural form of the word is dedeler.
How do you pronounce it?
/dede/
Did you know?
- In certain Sufi orders, the title dede is used for spiritual leaders and elders, regardless of whether they have any grandchildren.
- The word dede likely originated as 'baby talk', similar to how English speakers use 'grampy' or 'papa'.
- In Turkish folklore and history, the term dede often identifies a founding ancestor or a saintly figure associated with a specific village or clan.
Examples in context
- Ali'nin dedesi ayakkabı boyacısıydı.Ali's grandpa was a shoeshiner.This sentence shows the use of dede in a sentence about someone's grandfather.Tatoeba #7996792 by cinali, translation #8804484 by moman
- Haftada iki üç kez dedemle görüşüyordum.I saw grandpa two or three times a week.This sentence shows the use of dede when talking about visiting a grandpa.Tatoeba #4526643 by deyta, translation #3138231 by Serhiy
- Dedem iyi şogi oynar. Seviyesi dördüncü dan ve amatör.My grandpa is good at shogi. His level is fourth dan, amateur.This sentence shows the use of dede when describing a grandpa's hobby.Tatoeba #1226375 by soliloquist, translation #1110645 by Scott
- Lütfen, Dede'ye bir fincan çay getirin.Please bring a cup of tea to Grandpa.
- Dede ile konuşmayı seviyorum.I enjoy talking with Grandpa.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emre and Selin are talking about their family visit.
- EmreDede bizi bekliyor mu?Is grandpa waiting for us?
- SelinEvet, deden bahçede oturuyor.Yes, your grandfather is sitting in the garden.
- EmreOna bir hediye aldım.I bought him a gift.
- SelinDeden buna çok sevinecek.Your grandfather will be very happy with this.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dede, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dede, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
