外公
wàigōng
The English phrase 'maternal grandfather' is translated into Chinese as 外公 (wàigōng). If unsure, use 外公. Wiktionary also lists 外祖父 (wàizǔfù).
Meaning: one's mother's father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 外公 | wàigōng |
| 外祖父 | wàizǔfù |
The term is used to refer to one's mother's father.
What does it mean word for word?
The character 外 (wài) means 'outside' and 公 (gōng) means 'grandfather/elder', literally referring to the grandfather from the 'outside' lineage (the mother's side).
Which one should you use?
While 外公 is the common, colloquial term used when speaking to or about one's maternal grandfather in daily life, 外祖父 is a formal, more literary term used in official documents or highly respectful contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northern China, the term 姥爷 (lǎoye) is a common alternative term for maternal grandfather.
How do you pronounce it?
wàigōng
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, the distinction between paternal (内 – 'inside') and maternal (外 – 'outside') relatives is strictly maintained in kinship terminology.
Did you know?
- While the term 外公 literally translates to 'outside grandfather', the distinction between 'inside' and 'outside' in Chinese kinship was historically based on the idea that a woman 'leaves' her original family upon marriage. This creates a linguistic divide between the paternal and maternal sides of a family tree.
- The term 外公 uses 公, a character originally reserved for ancient officials and venerable elders to show high respect.
- In Northern China, 姥爷 (lǎoye) replaces the 'outside' terminology with a root meaning 'old', shifting the focus from lineage to age.
Examples in context
- 我妈妈的爸爸是我的外公。My mother's father is my maternal grandfather.This sentence is useful for identifying the relationship of a maternal grandfather using 外公.Tatoeba #3783461 by Debbie_Linder, translation #3780532 by Theocracy
- 我的外公住在上海。Wǒ de wàigōng zhù zài Shànghǎi.My maternal grandfather lives in Shanghai.
- 外公今天会来我家。Wàigōng jīntiān huì lái wǒjiā.Grandpa (maternal) is coming to my house today.
Example conversation
志强 and 雨婷 are talking about their weekend plans.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你周末打算做什么？Nǐ zhōumò dǎsuàn zuò shénme?What are you planning to do this weekend?
- 雨婷 Yuting我要去看我的外公。Wǒ yào qù kàn wǒ de wàigōng.I am going to visit my maternal grandfather.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你外公身体还好吗？Nǐ wàigōng shēntǐ hái hǎo ma?Is your grandfather doing well?
- 雨婷 Yuting他身体很健康。Tā shēntǐ hěn jiànkāng.He is very healthy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maternal grandfather” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
