奶奶好
nǎi nai hǎo
The English phrase "hello grandma" can be translated into Chinese as 奶奶好 (nǎi nai hǎo).
奶奶好 is a respectful greeting used when speaking to one's paternal grandmother. The term 奶奶 can also be used to address an elderly woman as a mark of respect.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 奶奶 (grandma) and 好 (good), literally meaning "Grandma is good".
Which one should you use?
The term 奶奶 refers specifically to a paternal grandmother. If you are addressing a maternal grandmother, you should use 姥姥 or 外婆 instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, a common way to say "hello [Title/Name]" is to place the title before the word 好.
How do you pronounce it?
nǎi nai hǎo
Did you know?
- The character 奶 originally referred to breast milk, which is why it became the root for words relating to nursing and grandmothers.
- Using 奶奶 to address an elderly stranger is a way of 'creating' a kinship bond, making the interaction feel warmer and more familial than a formal greeting.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the paternal side is considered the 'inner' family and the maternal side 'outer', which is why the word for maternal grandmother, 外婆, literally contains the character for 'outside'.
Examples in context
- 奶奶，您好!Hello, grandma!
- 奶奶好，您身体怎么样？Nǎinai hǎo, nín shēntǐ zěnmeyàng?Hello grandma, how is your health?
- 奶奶好，我来看您了。Nǎinai hǎo, wǒ lái kàn nín le.Hello grandma, I came to see you.
Example conversation
Wei visits his grandmother with his sister Xiaowen.
- 伟 Wei奶奶好！Nǎinai hǎo!Hello grandma!
- 晓雯 Xiaowen哎，伟来了，好孩子。Āi, Wěi lái le, hǎo háizi.Oh, Wei is here, good boy.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，你也快跟奶奶好。Xiǎowén, nǐ yě kuài gēn nǎinai hǎo.Xiaowen, you say hello to grandma too.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen奶奶好，我给您带了礼物。Nǎinai hǎo, wǒ gěi nín dài le lǐwù.Hello grandma, I brought a gift for you.
