おばあさん
おばあさん
noun
grandmother, elderly woman
1.
grandmother
One's grandmother or someone else's grandmother.
おばあさんに会いに行った。
I went to see my grandmother.
おばあさんは料理が上手だ。
My grandmother is good at cooking.
おばあさんに手紙を書いた。
I wrote a letter to my grandmother.
おばあさんの作る料理が好きだ。
I like my grandmother's cooking.
おばあさんは優しい人だ。
My grandmother is a kind person.
おばあさんに電話した。
I called my grandmother.
2.
elderly woman, old lady
An older woman.
おばあさんが公園で散歩していた。
An elderly woman was taking a walk in the park.
あのおばあさんは一人で暮らしている。
That elderly woman lives alone.
おばあさんが道に迷っていた。
An elderly woman was lost.
おばあさんに席を譲った。
I gave up my seat for the elderly woman.
おばあさんが重い荷物を持っていたので、手伝ってあげた。
An elderly woman was carrying heavy luggage, so I helped her.
おばあさん has two uses: (1) addressing/referring to one's grandmother, and (2) referring to elderly women in general.
GRANDMOTHER TERMS BY FORMALITY:
- 祖母: my grandmother (humble, formal writing/speech)
- おばあさん: grandmother (polite, general reference)
- おばあちゃん: grandma (casual, affectionate)
- ばあちゃん: granny (very casual, intimate)
PATERNAL VS MATERNAL:
- 父方のおばあさん: paternal grandmother
- 母方のおばあさん: maternal grandmother
IMPORTANT DISTINCTION:
- おばあさん: grandmother / elderly woman (extra あ)
- おばさん: aunt / middle-aged woman (no extra あ)
These are different words! Confusing them can be offensive.
RELATED FAMILY TERMS:
- おじいさん: grandfather / elderly man
- 祖父: my grandfather (humble)
- おじいちゃん: grandpa (casual)
USAGE NOTE:
When referring to an unknown elderly woman, おばあさん is polite. Using あのおばあちゃん for a stranger can sound overly familiar.