ba

/ɓaː/
nounBeginner
formal

A respectful term for an elderly woman, typically one's grandmother or an older female relative.

Bà đã kể cho tôi nghe những câu chuyện khi còn trẻ.

Grandma told me stories from when she was young.

💡

This term is used to show respect and affection toward elderly women in Vietnamese culture.

informal

A term of address for an older woman, often used in a respectful or polite context.

Bà, bạn cần giúp gì không?

Grandma, do you need any help?

💡

Can also be used to address older women in general, not just family members.

Collocations

bà nộimaternal grandmotherbà ngoạipaternal grandmotherbà của tôimy grandmother

Synonyms

Related Phrases

bà giàphrase
old woman
bà nộiphrase
maternal grandmother
bà ngoạiphrase
paternal grandmother

💡Pro Tip

Respectful Address

Use 'bà' to address elderly women respectfully, especially grandmothers.

Gold Rule

Cultural Context

In Vietnamese culture, addressing elders with respect is highly valued, and 'bà' is a key term for showing this respect.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the Vietnamese word for 'grandmother,' reflecting the cultural importance of respect for elders.

📝Usage Notes

The term 'bà' is used to show respect and affection toward elderly women, particularly grandmothers. It is a common and widely used term in Vietnamese culture.

Word Breakdown

grandmother or elderly woman
root
Từ Điển Việt Anh