祖父
also: じじ · じい · おおじ · おじ · そぶ
Meanings
Standard term for one's own grandfather or someone else's grandfather. The reading そふ is neutral and formal; じじ and じい are informal and affectionate.
My grandfather takes a walk every morning.
His grandfather was a famous painter.
Only with reading おおじ
Archaic use, restricted to the reading おおじ. Refers to an elderly man in general, not necessarily a relative. Cross-referenced with 爺.
See also: 爺
In old tales, an old man is sometimes depicted as the village's source of wisdom.
kyogen mask for an old man role
Only with reading おおじ
Specialized term in Noh and kyogen theater, restricted to the reading おおじ. Refers to a mask used for the role of an elderly male character.
In kyogen, performers wear the old man mask to play the role of an elderly man.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の祖父someone's grandfather
His grandfather used to be a teacher.
- 祖父に会うto meet/visit one's grandfather
During summer vacation, I went to visit my grandfather in the countryside.
- 祖父が亡くなるfor one's grandfather to pass away
My grandfather passed away last year.