Sweden
Grandma: Mormor (maternal), Farmor (paternal)
Grandpa: Morfar (maternal), Farfar (paternal)
"In Sweden, it is made clear if the grandparent is on the mother's side or on the father's side," says tour guide, Adeodata Czink. In the Swedish language, the maternal grandparents are "mormor" for grandmother and "morfar" for grandfather. Paternal grandparents are "farmor" for grandmother, and "farfar," for grandfather.
India
Grandma: Nani (maternal), Dadi (paternal)
Grandpa: Nana (maternal), Dada (paternal)
"In our Indian culture, 'nani' is maternal grandmother, and 'dadi' is paternal. 'Nana' is maternal grandfather, and 'dada' is paternal," shares Lisa Batra is a first-generation Indian, with immigrant parents, and two kids of her own. The busy entrepreneur is also founder of My Kid's Threads. "The origins of these words go back to the ancient Urdu language," she says. In Telugu, another popular Indian dialect, grandmothers are known as "awa", and grandfathers as "tata".
Israel
Grandma: Satva, Bubbe, Nonna, Avuela
Grandpa: Saba, Zayda, Nonno, Avuelo
In the land of milk and honey, grandparents are called by many names. In Hebrew, one of the official languages of Israel, grandma is called "savta," and grandpa, "saba." Jews with roots in Eastern Europe, known as Ashkenazi Jews, sometimes prefer the Yiddish version, "bubbe" for grandmother, and "zayda" for grandfather. Sephardic Jews, who trace their roots back to the Iberian Peninsula of the late 1500s, typically use the Ladino terms— "nonna" or "avuela," for grandmother, and "nonno" or "avuelo" for grandfather, according to Kveller.
Spain
Grandma: Abuela/Abuelita
Grandpa: Abuelo/Abuelito
In Spain, as in most Spanish-speaking countries, grandparents are most often referred to with the formal titles of "abuela" (grandma) and "abuelo" (grandpa). Informal versions are also popular, "abuelita", which translates into little grandma, is a common term of endearment and for grandpas, "abuelito" is often used to show great affection.
Kwazulu-Natal Province in South Africa
Grandma: Gogo/Ugogo
Grandpa: Umkhulu
Home to the Zulu tribe of South Africa, the Kwazulu-Natal Province has known its share of hardships, as well as joys. Grandmas are lovingly known as "gogo" or "ugogo" in the Zulu dialect. Gogo groups, dedicated to helping children, can be found all over the country. Grandpas of the Zulu tribe are called "umkhulu."
Ireland
Grandma: Maimeó
Grandpa: Daideó
If your grandparents were born in Ireland, you can claim Irish citizenship for yourself, even if your parents have never set foot on the Emerald Isle. That may be one reason why grandparents in this lovely country have such loving connections to their grandkids. In Gaelic, grandmothers are called "maimeó" (pronounced mam-o), and grandfathers, "daideó "(pronounced dah-jo).
Russia
Grandma: Babushka
Grandpa: Dedushka
In Russia, a grandmother is typically referred to as "babushka," a term that also means old woman. The colorful, light wool headscarves, often worn by women of a certain age in Russia, have also come to be known as babushkas. Grandfathers may not have a head covering named after them in this large, Northern country, but are affectionately known as "dedushka," or sometimes, "dedulya," a more casual term of endearment.
The People's Republic of China
Grandma: Lao Lao (maternal), Nai Nai (paternal)
Grandpa: Lao ye or Wai gong (maternal), Zu fu (paternal)
In Chinese households, both in the People's Republic, and abroad, grandparents often live with their children and grandchildren, according to the American Grandparents Association. In Mandarin, the official dialect, maternal and paternal grandparents are known by different terms. According to The Spruce, the formal name for paternal grandfathers is "zu fu," but "yeye" is more commonly used. Maternal grandfathers are known by different names, based on geographic region. In the north, they're called "lao ye." In the south, "wai gong." Paternal grandmas are known as "nai nai," and maternal grandmas, "lao lao."
France
Grandma: Grand-mère
Grandpa: Grand-père
The lyrical language of France is apparent in the way children refer to their grandparents, "grand-mère" is grandma, and "grand-père" is grandpa. "Mamie" has become a popular modern update for grandmother.
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