γιαγιά
giagiá/ʝaˈʝa/
γιαγιά (giagiá) is the Greek term for grandmother (yaya).
γιαγιά is an informal term used by children to address their grandmother.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is giagiá. The IPA is /ʝaˈʝa/.
Did you know?
- Greek uses the word γιαγιά not just for a biological grandmother, but often as a respectful or affectionate term for any elderly woman.
- The word γιαγιά belongs to a category of 'nursery words' that are often phonetically simple to help infants learn to speak, much like how English speakers use 'mama' or 'dada'.
- In Greek culture, the γιαγιά often acts as a counterbalance to parental discipline, serving as the primary source of sweets and indulgence for grandchildren.
Examples in context
- Γιαγιά, πώς είστε σήμερα;Grandmother, how are you today?
- Γιαγιά, έλα να σου πω μια ιστορία!Grandma, come let me tell you a story!
- Η γιαγιά μου φτιάχνει καλό φαγητό.I yiayiá mou ftiáchni kaló fagitó.My grandma makes good food.
- Πες γεια στη γιαγιά σου.Pes geia sti yiayiá sou.Say hello to your grandma.
- Θέλω να πάω στη γιαγιά μου.Thélo na páo sti yiayiá mou.I want to go to my grandma's.
Example conversation
A child is visiting his grandmother in the kitchen.
- Νίκος NikosΓιαγιά, τι φτιάχνεις;Giagiá, ti ftiáchnis?Grandma, what are you making?
- Ελένη EleniΦτιάχνω κέικ, Νίκο.Ftiáchno kéik, Níko.I am making a cake, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΜπορώ να βοηθήσω, γιαγιά;Boró na voithíso, giagiá?Can I help, grandma?
- Ελένη EleniΦυσικά, ελά εδώ.Fysiká, elá edó.Of course, come here.
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.
