γιαγιά
giagiá/ʝaˈʝa/
The English phrase "nan" can be translated into Greek as γιαγιά (giagiá).
γιαγιά is used to refer to a grandmother.
Which one should you use?
You can also use the informal term γιαγιούλα to say "grandma".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ʝaˈʝa/. You should emphasize the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek culture, γιαγιά often describes not just a biological grandmother but any elderly woman of the community as a sign of respect and affection.
- Greek has no single word for 'great-grandmother' that is used as frequently as γιαγιά, so people often say η γιαγιά της γιαγιάς meaning 'the grandmother of the grandmother'.
- The word γιαγιά is a 'nursery word', meaning it is a sound easily made by infants. It follows the same repetitive, melodic patterns as other early words like μαμά for 'mom'.
Examples in context
- Έχω μια υπέροχη γιαγιά.I have a wonderful grandmother.
- Η γιαγιούλα μου μαγειρεύει τα αγαπημένα μου γλυκά.My grandma cooks my favorite desserts.
- Η γιαγιά μου είναι πολύ καλή.I yiayiá mou íne polý kalí.My grandmother is very kind.
- Θέλω να πάω στη γιαγιά.Thélo na páo sti yiayiá.I want to go to grandmother.
- Η γιαγιά φτιάχνει τέλεια κέικ.I yiayiá ftiáchni télia kéik.Grandmother makes perfect cake.
Example conversation
Kyriaki is talking to Georgios about his family.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠότε θα δεις τη γιαγιά σου;Póte tha deís ti giagiá sou?When will you see your nan?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΘα την επισκεφτώ το Σάββατο.Tha tin episkeftó to Sávvato.I will visit her on Saturday.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι πολύ γλυκιά η γιαγιά.Eínai polý glykiá i giagiá.Nan is very sweet.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, είναι η καλύτερη!Ne, eínai i kalýteri!Yes, she is the best!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry γιαγιά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γιαγιά, CC BY-SA 4.0.
