mẹ già

/mɛ̂ ɟà/
phraseIntermediate
informalfamilial

A grandmother, specifically the mother of one's parent, often used to refer to an elderly woman in a respectful or familial context.

Mẹ già đã kể cho chúng tôi nghe những câu chuyện khi còn trẻ.

Grandmother told us stories from her youth.

💡

This term is commonly used to address or refer to one's grandmother or an elderly woman in a respectful manner.

Collocations

mẹ già ơigrandmanhà mẹ giàgrandmother's house

Synonyms

Related Phrases

bà ngoạiphrase
maternal grandmother
bà nộiphrase
paternal grandmother

💡Pro Tip

Respectful Address

When addressing an elderly woman, 'mẹ già' is a respectful and affectionate term, similar to 'grandma' in English.

📖Word Origin

Composed of 'mẹ' (mother) and 'già' (old), literally meaning 'old mother,' which has evolved to specifically refer to a grandmother.

📝Usage Notes

While 'mẹ già' can mean any elderly woman, it is most commonly used to refer to one's own grandmother. In some contexts, it may also be used respectfully for any elderly woman.

Word Breakdown

mẹ
mother
root
+
già
old
root
Từ Điển Việt Anh