In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various ways to say “grandparents” in Chinese. We will cover both formal and informal ways of addressing grandparents and provide examples and tips for each. While regional variations exist, we will focus primarily on standard Mandarin Chinese. So, let’s dive in and learn how to say “grandparents” in Chinese!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Grandparents in Chinese
1. 爷爷奶奶 (yéye nǎinai) – This is the most common and formal way to refer to grandparents in Chinese. 爷爷 (yéye) means “paternal grandfather” and 奶奶 (nǎinai) means “paternal grandmother.” This term is used when addressing grandparents on the father’s side.
Example: 你好，爷爷奶奶！ (Nǐ hǎo, yéye nǎinai!) – Hello, grandparents!
2. 外公外婆 (wàigōng wàipó) – This is another formal expression, specifically used for addressing grandparents on the mother’s side. 外公 (wàigōng) is “maternal grandfather” and 外婆 (wàipó) means “maternal grandmother.”
Example: 谢谢您，外公外婆！ (Xièxiè nín, wàigōng wàipó!) – Thank you, grandparents!
3. 祖父祖母 (zǔfù zǔmǔ) – This is a formal way to address the grandparents from either side. 祖父 (zǔfù) indicates “grandfather” and 祖母 (zǔmǔ) represents “grandmother.”
Example: 祝祖父祖母健康长寿！(Zhù zǔfù zǔmǔ jiànkāng chángshòu!) – May grandparents be healthy and live long!
Informal Ways to Say Grandparents in Chinese
1. 老爷子老太太 (lǎoyézi lǎotàitai) – This informal expression is used to refer to grandparents in a warm and affectionate manner. 老爷子 (lǎoyézi) means “old grandfather” and 老太太 (lǎotàitai) means “old grandmother.”
Example: 奶奶，您好！ (Nǎinai, nín hǎo!) – Hello, grandma!
2. 外公婆 (wàigōngpó) – This informal term is used to address both the maternal grandfather and grandmother together. It is a simpler and more casual way to refer to grandparents on the mother’s side.
Example: 外公婆，我们来看您了！(Wàigōngpó, wǒmen lái kàn nín le!) – Grandpa and grandma, we’ve come to visit you!
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
– In various regional dialects of Chinese, there may be different terms for grandparents. For example, in Southern Min (Hokkien), grandparents are commonly called 阿公 (āgōng) for grandfather and 阿嬷 (āmā) for grandmother.
– When addressing grandparents, it is considered polite to add 大 (dà) meaning “big” or “great” before their titles, such as 大爷爷 (dàyéye) for “great grandfather” or 大奶奶 (dànǎinai) for “great grandmother.”
– Being respectful and using the appropriate term for grandparents is highly valued in Chinese culture. If in doubt, it is better to use the more formal expressions, especially when addressing elders or in formal settings.
In Conclusion
In Chinese, there are both formal and informal ways to address grandparents. The formal terms 爷爷奶奶, 外公外婆, and 祖父祖母 are commonly used, while the informal terms 老爷子老太太 and 外公婆 show affection and warmth. Remember to use appropriate titles based on the relationships and cultural context. Whether you decide to use the formal or informal expressions, your grandparents will appreciate the effort and love you show when addressing them in Chinese!
