Meaning and Usage
"外婆" specifically refers to the maternal grandmother in Chinese. It is a warm and affectionate term used in everyday conversation to talk about one's mother's mother.
Common Contexts
People often mention "外婆" when talking about family gatherings, childhood memories, or traditional home-cooked meals. It carries a sense of closeness and respect.
Collocations and Patterns
- 外婆家 (wàipó jiā): grandmother's home, often used when describing visits.
- 外婆做的饭菜: food cooked by grandmother, emphasizing homemade and delicious meals.
- 给外婆打电话: to call grandmother, showing care and maintaining family bonds.
Notes
Unlike "奶奶" which means paternal grandmother, "外婆" is always maternal. Learners should avoid confusing these two terms to correctly express family relationships.