奶奶
nǎinai
nai nai is the Chinese term for paternal grandmother.
The term 奶奶 is the standard and widely used way to refer to one's paternal grandmother. Beyond family connections, it is also frequently used as a polite way to address elderly women in social settings.
Which one should you use?
While 奶奶 specifically refers to a paternal grandmother, the term 外婆 (wàipó) is used to refer to a maternal grandmother.
How do you pronounce it?
nǎinai
Did you know?
- The character 奶 also means 'milk', reflecting the grandmother's historical role as a primary caregiver and provider of nutrition for grandchildren.
- The strict distinction between the paternal 奶奶 and the maternal 外婆 reflects a cultural philosophy where the maternal side is considered 'outside' the family lineage.
- Calling a woman 奶奶 can be an insult if the context implies she looks 'old' rather than 'grandmotherly', as it can be seen as a commentary on her loss of vitality.
Examples in context
- 我奶奶做的饺子最好吃！My Nai Nai makes the best dumplings!
- 奶奶在厨房。Nǎinai zài chúfáng.Grandmother is in the kitchen.
- 我奶奶很疼爱我。Wǒ nǎinai hěn téng'ài wǒ.My grandmother loves me very much.
- 你想念你的奶奶吗？Nǐ xiǎngniàn nǐ de nǎinai ma?Do you miss your grandmother?
Example conversation
Junjie is showing a photo to Zihan.
- 俊杰 Junjie这是我奶奶的照片。zhè shì wǒ nǎinai de zhàopiàn.This is a photo of my grandmother.
- 梓涵 Zihan您的奶奶看起来很年轻。nín de nǎinai kàn qǐlái hěn niánqīng.Your grandmother looks very young.
- 俊杰 Junjie谢谢，奶奶经常运动。xièxiè, nǎinai jīngcháng yùndòng.Thank you, my grandmother exercises often.
- 梓涵 Zihan真是太棒了！zhēn shì tài bàng le!That is really great!
