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.
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.
Hey Grandma, how are you?
Formal term for one's own grandmother, used in writing or when speaking politely about her to outsiders.
To refer to another person's grandmother politely.
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.
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.
The granny in my neighborhood gave me some sweets.
To refer to a great-grandmother.
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?'
My grandmother will be 80 this year.
The old lady next door is kind.
おばあさまによろしくお伝えください。
Please give my regards to your grandmother.