Understanding "外婆" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 外婆
• Pinyin: wài pó
• Literal Meaning: "outside" + "grandmother"
• Primary Meaning: Maternal grandmother (mother's mother)

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

In Chinese, "外婆" (wài pó) specifically refers to one's maternal grandmother (the mother of one's mother). It is a warm and respectful term commonly used in family contexts. The word is more prevalent in Southern China, while Northern Chinese speakers might use "姥姥" (lǎo lao) instead.

Character Breakdown

• 外 (wài): Means "outside" or "external." In family terms, it often indicates relations from the mother's side.
• 婆 (pó): Means "grandmother" or "elderly woman." It is a general term for older female relatives.

Together, "外婆" distinguishes the maternal grandmother from the paternal grandmother, who is called "奶奶" (nǎi nai).

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我外婆住在乡下。
   Pinyin: Wǒ wài pó zhù zài xiāng xià.
   English: My maternal grandmother lives in the countryside.

2. Chinese: 外婆做的菜很好吃。
   Pinyin: Wài pó zuò de cài hěn hǎo chī.
   English: The dishes my grandmother cooks are delicious.

3. Chinese: 周末我要去看望外婆。
   Pinyin: Zhōu mò wǒ yào qù kàn wàng wài pó.
   English: I’m going to visit my grandmother this weekend.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, grandparents often play a significant role in childcare, and the maternal grandmother ("外婆") is especially close to her grandchildren in many families. The term reflects the traditional Chinese kinship system, which distinguishes between maternal and paternal relatives. Southern Chinese dialects (e.g., Cantonese, Shanghainese) almost exclusively use "外婆," while Northern dialects may prefer "姥姥."

Conclusion

"外婆" (wài pó) is an essential term for English-speaking learners to describe their maternal grandmother in Chinese. Remember that it specifically refers to the mother's mother, and its usage may vary by region. Practice using it in family-related conversations to sound more natural!