bà
Bà tôi sống ở quê.
My grandmother lives in the countryside.
A female ancestor in the grandparent generation; grandmother.
Bà tôi năm nay đã 80 tuổi.
My grandmother is 80 years old this year.
Bà ngoại hay kể chuyện cổ tích cho cháu nghe.
My maternal grandmother often tells fairy tales to the children.
Used as a title or term of address for elderly women, respectful. In Southern Vietnam, 'bà' can also refer to a woman of older generation without direct familial relation.
A term of address for an elderly woman, often used out of respect or politeness.
Bà ơi, cháu về thăm bà!
Grandma, I came to visit you!
Bà bán hàng, cho cháu xin một quả cam.
Madam, could I have an orange?
Common in both familial and public contexts. Can be used for strangers if they appear elderly.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 'bà' and 'cô'
'Bà' refers to an elderly woman (grandmother or older generation), while 'cô' refers to a woman of middle age or a teacher. 'Bà' is more respectful for the elderly.
Gold Rule
Respectful Address
Always use 'bà' when addressing or referring to an elderly woman to show respect, even if unrelated.
Word Origin
From Proto-Vietic *ɓaːʔ, ultimately from Proto-Mon-Khmer *ɓaːʔ (elder, ancestor). Related to Muong 'bà' and Khmer បាក់ (baak) 'elder'.
Usage Notes
In formal writing, 'bà' is capitalized when used as a title (e.g., Bà Nguyễn Thị Lan). In Southern Vietnam, 'bà' can also mean 'aunt' if referring to an older woman in the extended family.