दादा-दादी
dada-dadi
In Hindi, the phrase for paternal grandparents is दादा-दादी (dada-dadi).
The term दादा-दादी is used specifically to refer to paternal grandparents, which are the parents of a person's father. To refer to maternal grandparents (the parents of a person's mother), you would use the phrase नाना-नानी.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a compound of dada, meaning paternal grandfather and dadi, meaning paternal grandmother.
Which one should you use?
While दादा-दादी refers specifically to paternal grandparents, the phrase नाना-नानी is used for maternal grandparents.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North India, the specific terms Dadaji (grandfather) and Dadima (grandmother) are used, as well as Nanaji (grandfather).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase दादा-दादी is treated as a single unit and does not change form for pluralization, because the concept of the pair is already inherently plural.
How do you pronounce it?
dada-dadi
Did you know?
- In Hindi, the relationship with नाना-नानी is often culturally perceived as more indulgent or 'softer' compared to the more authoritative role of the दादा-दादी.
- If you were to use the word दादा in certain Hindi dialects or slang, it can also mean 'big brother' or 'elder', showing how familial hierarchy is baked into the language.
- In many Indian households, the suffix ji added to दादा as दादाजी is not just a polite addition but a mandatory mark of respect that signifies the hierarchical nature of the family.
Examples in context
- मेरे दादा-दादी बहुत अच्छे हैं।mere dada-dadi bahut achhe hain.My grandparents are very good.
- क्या आपके दादा-दादी दिल्ली में रहते हैं?kya aapke dada-dadi dillī meṃ rahte hain?Do your grandparents live in Delhi?
- मुझे अपने दादा-दादी की याद आती है।mujhe apne dada-dadi kī yaad ātī hai.I miss my grandparents.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about family during a phone call.
- अंजलि Anjaliविकास, क्या तुम्हारे दादा-दादी पास में रहते हैं?vikas, kya tumhare dada-dadi paas meṃ rahte hain?Vikas, do your grandparents live nearby?
- विकास Vikasनहीं, वे दूसरे शहर में रहते हैं।nahīṃ, ve dūstre śahar meṃ rahte hain.No, they live in another city.
- अंजलि Anjaliक्या तुम उनसे मिलने जाओगे?kya tum unse milne jāoge?Will you go to visit them?
- विकास Vikasहाँ, मैं अगले महीने जाऊँगा।hāṃ, maiṃ agale mahīne jāūṅgā.Yes, I will go next month.
