bisnonna
The English phrase "great grandma" is translated into Italian as bisnonna.
bisnonna is used to refer specifically to the mother of one's grandmother or grandfather.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed using the prefix bis-, which is a doubling element used to indicate a second generation of a relationship, combined with nonna, meaning grandmother.
Did you know?
- The word 'bis' is also found in the Italian musical terminology used globally, such as when an audience shouts 'bis!' to demand an encore.
- If you want to go back one more generation to a great-great-grandmother, you add another bis- to create bisbisnonna.
- In Italy, the term nonna is often used as a title of respect and affection for any elderly woman, regardless of whether she is actually a grandmother or a bisnonna.
Examples in context
- Come sta, bisnonna?How are you, great grandma?
- La mia bisnonna vive in campagna.My great grandma lives in the countryside.
- La bisnonna è molto simpatica.The great grandma is very nice.
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are looking at an old family photograph.
- MatteoChi è questa donna nella foto?Who is this woman in the photo?
- SofiaQuesta è mia bisnonna, Sofia.This is my great grandma, Sofia.
- MatteoSembrava molto elegante.She seemed very elegant.
- SofiaSì, era la bisnonna più dolce di tutte.Yes, she was the sweetest great grandma of all.
