おばあさん
obāsan
The English phrase "old lady" is translated into Japanese as おばあさん (obāsan).
おばあさん is a noun used to refer to an elderly woman. It can also be used as a polite way to address an elderly woman directly, similar to saying "ma'am" or "grandmother" in English.
Meaning: informal: elderly woman (noun)
Which one should you use?
While おばあさん is a standard way to refer to an elderly woman, the form おばあちゃん is more affectionate and casual. It is often used by children or when speaking about one's own grandmother. Additionally, the term ばあさん is an informal term used in everyday conversations to refer to an old lady.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking, it is essential to maintain the long vowel in the middle (ba-a). Shortening it to おばさん changes the meaning from "old lady" to "aunt" or "middle-aged woman".
How do you pronounce it?
obāsan
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not shorten the middle vowel to おばさん, as this changes the meaning to "aunt" or "middle-aged woman".
Did you know?
- If you are speaking about your own grandmother to someone else, you should avoid using おばあさん and instead use the humble term 祖母 (so-bo) to show proper respect to your listener.
- A husband might refer to his own wife as ばあさん in a gruff or old-fashioned way, similar to saying 'old lady' or 'the missus'.
- In many Japanese anime or manga, a character might use the rougher ばあさん to signal that they are a gritty, unrefined, or 'tough' person.
Examples in context
- おばあさんはバスから降りた。The old lady got off the bus.This sentence shows the use of おばあさん as a subject in a simple action.Tatoeba #227592 by bunbuku, translation #2160727 by erikspen
- おばあさんが隣に越してきた。An old lady moved into the place next door.This sentence demonstrates using おばあさん to describe someone moving into a neighboring house.Tatoeba #227593 by KK_kaku_, translation #64946 by pip
- 私はおばあさんに席を譲った。I gave my seat to the old lady.This sentence illustrates using おばあさん as the recipient of an action.Tatoeba #1166902 by bunbuku, translation #388470 by CK
- あのばあさんは本当に元気ですね。That old lady is really energetic, isn't she?
- うちのばあちゃんはすごく面白いんだよ。My grandma is really funny.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are walking through a neighborhood park.
- 陽太 Yotaあそこに、優しそうなおばあさんがいますね。Asoko ni, yasashisou na obaasan ga imasu ne.There is a kind-looking old lady over there.
- 美咲 Misaki本当ですね。あのおばあさんは、花を育てているようです。Hontou desu ne. Ano obaasan wa, hana o sodatete iru you desu.You're right. That old lady seems to be growing flowers.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さんは、あのおばあさんに挨拶したことがありますか？Misaki-san wa, ano obaasan ni aisatsu shita koto ga arimasu ka?Misaki, have you ever greeted that old lady before?
- 美咲 Misakiいいえ、でも、いつか話してみたいです。Iie, demo, itsuka hanashite mitai desu.No, but I would like to talk to her someday.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
