おじい様 (おじいさま) Japanese meaning | KotomoraMeanings
1
noun
grandfather (honorific)
honorific or respectful (sonkeigo)usually written using kana alone
Respectful term for one's own or someone else's grandfather. More formal and polite than おじいさん.
。
I received a letter from my grandfather.
2
noun
elderly man (honorific)
honorific or respectful (sonkeigo)usually written using kana alone
Respectful way to refer to an elderly man, not necessarily a relative. Can be used as a term of address.
Kanji
祖ancestor, pioneer, founder 御honorable, manipulate, govern
Similar words
- おじいさん
Common, neutral term for grandfather or elderly man. おじい様 is more formal and honorific.
- 祖父
Plain term for one's own grandfather, used in formal or written contexts. おじい様 is more polite and can refer to others' grandfathers.
Etymology
Combination of おじい (grandfather/old man) + honorific suffix 様 (さま). The kanji 祖父 is used for 'grandfather' and 爺 for 'old man'.
