Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'grandmother' depends on formality, whose grandmother it is, and whether you are addressing her directly or referring to her. There are also affectionate and regional variants.
To refer to or address your own grandmother in a familiar, affectionate way.
The most common affectionate term for one's own grandmother. Used by both children and adults within the family.
おばあちゃん、これ食べていい？
Grandma, can I eat this?
I went to my grandma's house yesterday.
A more casual, shortened version of おばあちゃん. Common in informal speech, especially among boys or in rural areas.
ばあちゃん、元気？
Hey Grandma, how are you?
Formal term for one's own grandmother, used in writing or when speaking politely about her to outsiders.
祖母は今年で80歳になります。
My grandmother will be 80 this year.
To refer to another person's grandmother politely.
Polite term for someone else's grandmother. Can also be used to address an elderly woman in general.
あなたのおばあさんはお元気ですか？
How is your grandmother?
隣のおばあさんが親切だ。
The old lady next door is kind.
Very polite and respectful term, often used in formal situations or when referring to someone of higher status.
To address or refer to an elderly woman who is not your relative.
Commonly used to address or refer to an elderly woman, similar to 'ma'am' or 'granny' in English. Can be friendly or slightly condescending depending on context.
おばあさん、この席どうぞ。
Ma'am, please take this seat.
Affectionate term for an elderly woman, often used by children or in a friendly manner. Can be seen as overly familiar if not close.
近所のおばあちゃんがお菓子をくれた。
The granny in my neighborhood gave me some sweets.
To refer to a great-grandmother.
Formal term for great-grandmother. Rarely used in daily conversation; usually replaced by ひいおばあちゃん.
曾祖母の写真を見つけた。
I found a photo of my great-grandmother.
Common affectionate term for great-grandmother.
ひいおばあちゃんは100歳まで生きた。
My great-grandma lived to be 100.
祖母 (そぼ) is a humble term used only for your own grandmother. Using it for someone else's grandmother is rude. Use おばあさん instead.
When talking to your own grandmother, you often don't need to say 'you' or 'grandma' at all. Japanese relies on context. For example, simply saying 元気？ (げんき？) can mean 'How are you, Grandma?'
おばあさまによろしくお伝えください。
Please give my regards to your grandmother.