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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to grandmother with 奶奶 (nǎinai)

    Existence & Possession

    Structure

    Surname + 奶奶 / 奶奶 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    奶奶 (nǎinai) means "grandmother" on the father's side and is also used as a respectful form of address for elderly women. When preceded by a surname, it serves as a polite way to refer to an older woman.

    Examples

    • 奶奶做的红烧肉是我吃过最好吃的。

      Nǎinai zuò de hóngshāoròu shì wǒ chī guò zuì hǎochī de.

      The braised pork my grandma makes is the best I've ever had.

    • 我奶奶虽然年纪大了，但记性很好。

      Wǒ nǎinai suīrán niánjì dà le, dàn jìxing hěn hǎo.

      Although my grandma is getting old, she still has a great memory.

    • 张奶奶每天傍晚都在楼下散步。

      Zhāng nǎinai měitiān bàngwǎn dōu zài lóuxià sànbù.

      Grandma Zhang takes a walk downstairs every evening.

    Often Confused With

    Referring to grandmother with 奶奶 (nǎinai) | Chinese Grammar