外婆
wàipó
In Chinese, the phrase for maternal grandma is 外婆 (wàipó).
The term refers to the mother of one's mother. While 外婆 is the standard term, in many families, children will address their maternal grandmother directly as 外婆 rather than using her name.
What does it mean word for word?
The term consists of 外 (wài), meaning 'outside' and 婆 (pó), meaning 'old woman/grandmother', literally implying the grandmother from the 'outside' (maternal) side of the family.
Which one should you use?
外婆 (wàipó) refers specifically to the maternal grandmother, whereas 奶奶 (nǎinai) refers to the paternal grandmother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
姥姥 (lǎolao) is a polite and respectful way to say maternal grandma. In contrast, 姥姥 (lǎolao) is a common alternative for maternal grandmother used frequently in Northern China.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In several regions, especially in Southern China, 外婆 (wàipó) is used to refer to a maternal grandma. In Northern China, the alternative 姥姥 (lǎolao) is frequently used.
How do you pronounce it?
wàipó
Did you know?
- The term 外婆 describes the maternal grandmother as 'outside' because traditional Chinese patriarchal systems viewed children as belonging exclusively to the father's lineage.
- The character 婆 in 外婆 is also found in the traditional word for 'midwife', as both roles were historically filled by experienced elderly women.
- Despite 婆 meaning 'old woman' and potentially being rude elsewhere, using it in 外婆 is a respectful way to denote grandmotherly status.
Examples in context
- 我经常去外婆家。Wǒ jīngcháng qù wàipó jiā.I often go to my maternal grandma's house.
- 外婆做的菜很好吃。Wàipó zuò de cài hěn hǎochī.The food my maternal grandma makes is delicious.
- 这是送给外婆的礼物。Zhè shì sòng gěi wàipó de lǐwù.This is a gift for my maternal grandma.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their weekend plans.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你周末要做什么？Nǐ zhōumò yào zuò shénme?What are you doing this weekend?
- 浩然 Haoran我要去看望外婆。Wǒ yào qù kànwàng wàipó.I am going to visit my maternal grandma.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen外婆身体还好吗？Wàipó shēntǐ hái hǎo ma?Is your maternal grandma doing well?
- 浩然 Haoran她身体很健康。Tā shēntǐ hěn jiànkāng.She is very healthy.
