overgrootvader
The English phrase "great grandpa" is translated into Dutch as overgrootvader.
The term is used to refer to the father of one's grandparent.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound consisting of over (over/above), groot (grand/large) and vader (father).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
overgrootvader is a formal and widely used term. For a more affectionate and informal way to say "great-grandpa", you can use overgrootopa.
Did you know?
- Because Dutch can stack prefixes, you can technically create overovergrootvader to mean 'great-great-grandfather', though it is quite a mouthful.
- If you want to be even more informal with children, you might hear the term overopa, which blends the 'over' prefix with 'opa' (grandpa).
- The word grootvader contains the word groot, which means 'large', implying that a grandfather is a 'large father' in a way that is metaphorical rather than physical.
Examples in context
- Mijn overgrootvader was een zeeman.My great grandpa was a sailor.
- Ik heb een foto van mijn overgrootvader.I have a photo of my great grandpa.
- Was je overgrootvader ook zo groot?Was your great grandpa also that tall?
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at an old family photo album.
- LucasWie is de man op deze foto?Who is the man in this photo?
- LisaDat is mijn overgrootvader.That is my great grandpa.
- LucasHij ziet er erg vriendelijk uit.He looks very friendly.
- LisaJa, hij was een heel aardig man.Yes, he was a very kind man.
