προγιαγιά
proyiayia
The Greek phrase for "great grandmother" is προγιαγιά (proyiayia).
προγιαγιά is used to refer to the mother of one's grandmother.
How does it change in a sentence?
προγιαγιά is a feminine noun and follows the same declension patterns as the word for grandmother.
How do you pronounce it?
proyiayia
Did you know?
- The word γιαγιά is an onomatopoeic-adjacent term, often linked to the repetitive sounds infants use, which is why the term for 'great-grandmother' inherits that same warmth.
- In many Greek households, a great-grandmother might be addressed simply as γιαγιά (grandmother) to show affection, making it difficult to distinguish specific generations in casual conversation.
- If you were to speak about a 'great-great-grandmother', you would simply add another προ- to the front, creating a chain of prefixes.
Examples in context
- Η προγιαγιά ζει ακόμα στο χωριό.I proyiayia zei akoma sto chorio.The great grandmother still lives in the village.
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are looking at an old family album.
- Νίκος NikosΠοια είναι αυτή η γυναίκα στη φωτογραφία;Pia einai aftí i gynaíka sti fotografía?Who is this woman in the photo?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι η προγιαγιά μου, η Μαρία.Eínai i progiagiá mou, i María.It is my great grandmother, Maria.
- Νίκος NikosΜοιάζεις πολύ μαζί της, Κυριακή.Moiazeis polý mazí tis, Kyriakí.You look a lot like her, Kyriaki.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, όλοι το λένε αυτό.Ne, óloi to léne aftó.Yes, everyone says that.
