外公
wàigōng
The English phrase "grandpa on mother's side" is translated into Chinese as 外公 (wàigōng).
外公 is used to refer specifically to the father of one's mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The term consists of 外 (wài), meaning 'outside' and 公 (gōng), a respectful term for an elderly male or grandfather.
Which one should you use?
外公 (wàigōng) refers specifically to the maternal grandfather, whereas 爷爷 (yéye) is the term used for the paternal grandfather.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northern China, particularly in Beijing, 姥爷 (lǎoye) is a very common alternative to 外公 for maternal grandfather.
How do you pronounce it?
wàigōng
Did you know?
- The Northern alternative 姥爷 uses the character 姥, which specifically refers to a grandmother, combined with 爷, which refers to a grandfather.
- In many parts of China, the distinction between paternal and maternal grandfathers is so strictly maintained that using the wrong term can be seen as a sign of poor upbringing.
- Historically, the distinction between 外公 and 爷爷 was reinforced by the custom of children living with their father's extended family, making the maternal grandfather a more distant visitor.
Examples in context
- Today, I visited my 外公 and we had a heartfelt conversation about family traditions.Today, I visited my grandpa on mother's side and we had a heartfelt conversation about family traditions.
- I cherish the memories of baking with my 阿公 when I was a child.I cherish the memories of baking with my grandpa on mother's side when I was a child.
- 我的外公住在上海。Wǒ de wàigōng zhù zài Shànghǎi.My grandpa on mother's side lives in Shanghai.
- 外公非常喜欢喝茶。Wàigōng fēicháng xǐhuān hē chá.My grandpa on mother's side likes drinking tea very much.
- 这是送给外公的礼物。Zhè shì sòng gěi wàigōng de lǐwù.This is a gift for my grandpa on mother's side.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their family during a lunch break.
- 浩然 Haoran你外公身体好吗？Nǐ wàigōng shēntǐ hǎo ma?Is your grandpa on mother's side in good health?
- 雨婷 Yuting他身体很好，谢谢。Tā shēntǐ hěn hǎo, xièxiè.He is in good health, thank you.
- 浩然 Haoran你打算去看他吗？Nǐ dǎsuàn qù kàn tā ma?Are you planning to visit him?
- 雨婷 Yuting我下周末去看他。Wǒ xià zhōumò qù kàn tā.I am going to visit him next weekend.
