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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'maternal grandmother' with 外婆 (wàipó)

    Topic & Focus

    Explanation

    外婆 (wàipó) means 'maternal grandmother' — specifically, one's mother's mother. The character 外 (outside) indicates the maternal side of the family in Chinese kinship terms. This term is widely used in southern China and informal speech.

    Examples

    • 周末我要去外婆家吃饭。

      Zhōumò wǒ yào qù wàipó jiā chīfàn.

      I'm going to Grandma's house for dinner this weekend.

    • 外婆做的红烧肉最好吃了。

      Wàipó zuò de hóngshāo ròu zuì hǎochī le.

      The braised pork Grandma makes is the best.

    • 小时候我经常住在外婆家。

      Xiǎo shíhòu wǒ jīngcháng zhù zài wàipó jiā.

      When I was little, I often stayed at Grandma's house.

    Expressing 'maternal grandmother' with 外婆 (wàipó) | Chinese Grammar