noun
elderly manservant; elderly handyman
Familiar term for an elderly male servant or handyman, often used in traditional or wealthy household settings. Conveys affection and familiarity, similar to 'old retainer'.
See also: 婆や (ばあや)
お屋敷の爺やが庭の手入れをしている。
The elderly manservant of the mansion is tending the garden.
子供の頃、爺やに昔話をよく聞かせてもらった。
When I was a child, the old handyman often told me old tales.
Feminine counterpart; refers to an elderly female servant or nursemaid in a similar familiar, affectionate manner.
Compound of 爺 (jii, 'old man') and the familiar suffix や (ya), used to express affection or familiarity toward an elderly male servant.