मातामही
मातामही 30秒で
- Mātāmahī is the formal Hindi word for maternal grandmother.
- It is derived from Sanskrit and used in literary or formal contexts.
- The common everyday equivalent is 'Nani'.
- It is a feminine noun and requires honorific plural verb forms.
The Hindi word मातामही (Mātāmahī) is a sophisticated, formal, and Sanskrit-derived term used to refer to one's maternal grandmother. In everyday spoken Hindi, most people use the common term 'Nani' (नानी). However, 'Mātāmahī' belongs to the high-register vocabulary, often referred to as 'Shuddh Hindi' or 'Tatsama' words. It is constructed by combining 'Mātā' (mother) with 'Maha' (great/elder) and the feminine suffix 'ī'. This word carries a sense of reverence and classical elegance that 'Nani' lacks. You will find this word primarily in classical literature, Vedic texts, formal genealogical records, or epic television dramas like the Mahabharat or Ramayan. Understanding this word is crucial for learners who wish to transition from basic conversational Hindi to an advanced academic or literary level. It distinguishes between the maternal and paternal lines with clinical precision, which is a hallmark of the Indo-Aryan kinship system.
- Etymological Root
- Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Mātāmaha' (maternal grandfather), with the feminine ending 'ī' applied to denote the grandmother.
- Register
- Formal, Literary, and Archaic. It is rarely heard in a modern Mumbai or Delhi cafe but frequently seen in Hindi poetry and historical novels.
मेरी मातामही ने मुझे धर्म और नीति की शिक्षा दी। (My maternal grandmother taught me about righteousness and ethics.)
When using 'Mātāmahī', the speaker is usually trying to evoke a sense of tradition or is speaking in a context where family lineage is being discussed formally. In legal documents or traditional marriage invitations written in high Hindi, this term might be used to specifically identify the grandmother from the mother's side of the family. It provides a level of specificity that is often lost in English, where 'grandmother' can refer to either side. In Hindi culture, the maternal grandmother often plays a role of a storyteller and a keeper of maternal traditions, and using 'Mātāmahī' honors that role with a title of high status.
राजकुमार अपनी मातामही के आशीर्वाद के बिना युद्ध पर नहीं गए। (The prince did not go to war without the blessing of his maternal grandmother.)
- Gender Agreement
- Since it is a feminine noun ending in 'ī', any adjectives or verbs associated with it must also be in the feminine form (e.g., 'meri' not 'mera').
For a learner, the challenge isn't just knowing the meaning, but knowing the 'vibe'. Using 'Mātāmahī' in a casual conversation with a friend might sound like you are speaking like a 19th-century poet. However, using it in an essay about family values or during a formal speech at a wedding would be seen as a sign of excellent education and mastery over the language. It bridges the gap between the Hindi of the streets and the Hindi of the scholars.
उनकी मातामही का देहांत शताब्दी वर्ष में हुआ। (His maternal grandmother passed away in her centenary year.)
Using मातामही (Mātāmahī) requires an understanding of Hindi's honorific systems and grammatical gender. As a feminine noun, it dictates the form of the possessive pronouns and verbs. In Hindi, respect is often shown by using plural verb forms even for a single person, especially elders. Therefore, while 'Mātāmahī' is singular, you will often hear 'hain' (are) instead of 'hai' (is) to show respect. This is known as the 'honorific plural'.
- Possessive Usage
- Always use 'मेरी' (merī), 'आपकी' (āpkī), or 'उनकी' (unkī). Example: 'मेरी मातामही' (My maternal grandmother).
क्या आपकी मातामही काशी में रहती हैं? (Does your maternal grandmother live in Kashi?)
When describing her qualities, adjectives must also end in 'ī' to match the gender. For instance, 'vidushi' (learned woman) or 'dayalu' (kind - which is gender-neutral but takes feminine context). If you are writing a biography or a formal introduction, 'Mātāmahī' serves as a respectful title. It is often followed by the honorific 'Ji' (जी) to add an extra layer of politeness, though the word itself is already quite formal.
प्रसिद्ध कवि ने अपनी मातामही को एक कविता समर्पित की। (The famous poet dedicated a poem to his maternal grandmother.)
In complex sentence structures involving postpositions (like 'ka', 'ke', 'ki', 'se', 'me'), the word 'Mātāmahī' remains stable because it ends in 'ī'. Unlike masculine nouns ending in 'ā' (like 'laṛkā' which becomes 'laṛke'), feminine nouns ending in 'ī' do not change their base form in the oblique case. This makes it grammatically straightforward for learners once they identify the gender.
मैंने अपनी मातामही से यह पुरानी कहानी सुनी थी। (I had heard this old story from my maternal grandmother.)
- Comparison with 'Pitāmahī'
- While 'Mātāmahī' is maternal, 'Pitāmahī' is paternal. Using them correctly in the same sentence shows a high level of linguistic precision. 'मेरी मातामही और पितामही दोनों यहाँ हैं।'
Ultimately, the use of this word is a stylistic choice. It signals that the speaker is educated in the literary traditions of India. Whether you are writing a formal letter, a script for a play, or analyzing a Sanskritized Hindi text, 'Mātāmahī' is the go-to term for a maternal grandmother when 'Nani' feels too informal or domestic.
While you might not hear मातामही (Mātāmahī) at a local grocery store, it is very much alive in specific cultural and intellectual spheres. One of the primary places you will encounter it is in **Hindi Literature**. From the works of Premchand to modern historical novelists, 'Mātāmahī' is used to create an atmosphere of traditional Indian family life. It evokes a specific era and social class, usually one that is deeply rooted in Vedic or classical Indian values.
शास्त्रों में मातामही का स्थान अत्यंत पूजनीय बताया गया है। (In the scriptures, the maternal grandmother's place is described as highly venerable.)
Another major source is **Mythological Television Shows and Cinema**. Series like 'Ramayan', 'Mahabharat', and 'Siya Ke Ram' use Sanskritized Hindi to maintain historical authenticity. In these shows, characters rarely use colloquial terms like 'Nani'. Instead, they use 'Mātāmahī' to address or refer to the mother of their mother. This usage reinforces the character's royal or noble status. For a learner, these shows are the best 'listening' practice for such high-register words.
- Legal and Ritual Contexts
- During Hindu religious ceremonies (Pujas) or when performing 'Shradh' (ancestral rites), the priest might ask for the names of the 'Mātāmaha' and 'Mātāmahī'. This ensures the prayers are directed to the correct branch of the family tree.
You will also find this word in **Formal Invitations**. Traditional Hindu wedding cards often list the names of the grandparents. Using 'Mātāmahī' instead of 'Nani' on a card signals a formal, prestigious family background. It is also used in **Academic Discussions** regarding kinship, anthropology, or ancient Indian history. If you are studying the lineage of the Gupta kings or the Pandavas, textbooks will use this term to avoid the ambiguity of 'grandmother'.
विवाह निमंत्रण पत्र पर मातामही का नाम आदरपूर्वक लिखा गया था। (The maternal grandmother's name was respectfully written on the wedding invitation.)
Lastly, in **Speeches and Eulogies**, especially those delivered by politicians or public figures who favor 'Shuddh Hindi', this word is used to show respect for the deceased or the elder. It adds a layer of gravity and solemnity to the occasion that the word 'Nani'—which sounds more intimate and domestic—might not convey.
The most frequent mistake learners make with मातामही (Mātāmahī) is confusing it with its paternal counterpart, **पितामही (Pitāmahī)**. In English, both are simply 'grandmother', but in Hindi, the distinction is vital. 'Mātāmahī' is your mother's mother, while 'Pitāmahī' is your father's mother. Swapping them can cause significant confusion in family discussions or genealogical contexts.
- Mistake 1: Gender Confusion
- Using masculine markers like 'Mera' or 'Acha' with 'Mātāmahī'. Even though it's a long word, the ending 'ī' is a clear indicator of its feminine gender. Correct: 'मेरी मातामही' (Meri Mātāmahī).
गलत: मेरा मातामही बहुत दयालु है।
सही: मेरी मातामही बहुत दयालु हैं।
Another mistake is **Register Mismatch**. Using 'Mātāmahī' in a very casual, slang-heavy conversation can make the speaker sound robotic or overly dramatic. It’s like saying 'My maternal progenitor' instead of 'My grandma' in English. Learners should use 'Nani' for daily life and 'Mātāmahī' for formal or literary contexts. Using it incorrectly can make you sound like you've only learned Hindi from old textbooks without understanding social nuances.
Spelling and pronunciation also pose challenges. The 'h' at the end is often swallowed by non-native speakers, or the 'ī' is shortened. In Hindi, the 'h' is followed by a long 'ī' sound, and both syllables 'ma' and 'hī' should be clearly articulated. Some learners also confuse the word with **मातामह (Mātāmaha)**, which is the grandfather. Remember: 'a' at the end is usually masculine, and 'ī' is feminine.
- Mistake 2: Missing the Honorific
- Failing to use plural verbs (hain/thi) for respect. In Hindi, even if 'Mātāmahī' is one person, saying 'Mātāmahī aayi hai' (singular/casual) sounds slightly disrespectful compared to 'Mātāmahī aayi hain' (honorific plural).
अशुद्ध: मातामही सो रही है।
शुद्ध: मातामही सो रही हैं।
Hindi has a rich tapestry of words for 'grandmother', depending on the side of the family and the level of formality. The most common alternative to मातामही (Mātāmahī) is **नानी (Nānī)**. While both mean maternal grandmother, 'Nani' is warm, familiar, and used by children and adults alike in daily life. If you are talking to your grandmother, you would call her 'Nani Ji'.
- नानी (Nānī)
- The standard, conversational word. Everyone uses it. It’s the word for 'Grandma' on the mother's side.
Example: नानी के घर जाना सबको पसंद है। (Everyone loves going to Nani's house.) - पितामही (Pitāmahī)
- The formal term for the paternal grandmother (father's mother). It is the direct counterpart to Mātāmahī.
Example: पितामही ने मुझे दादाजी की कहानियाँ सुनाईं। (The paternal grandmother told me stories of my grandfather.)
Another alternative is **दादी (Dādī)**, which is the conversational word for the paternal grandmother. In many Indian households, 'Dadi' and 'Nani' are the two primary matriarchs. In some regional dialects or very traditional families, you might hear **अम्मा (Ammā)** or **बड़ी माँ (Baṛī Mā)**, though 'Amma' can also mean mother in South India or certain North Indian communities.
मेरी मातामही और दादी दोनों ही महान रसोइया हैं। (My maternal grandmother and paternal grandmother are both great cooks.)
In Sanskritized contexts, you might also see **मातृ-जननी (Mātṛ-jananī)**, which literally means 'mother's mother', but this is even more rare than 'Mātāmahī'. For learners, the key is to remember the hierarchy: 'Nani/Dadi' for speaking, 'Mātāmahī/Pitāmahī' for reading/writing formally.
- Comparison Table
-
Word Relation Register Nani Maternal Common Mātāmahī Maternal Formal/Literary Dadi Paternal Common Pitāmahī Paternal Formal/Literary
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
The suffix '-maha' in Hindi kinship terms actually comes from the Sanskrit 'mahat', which means 'great'. So, 'Mātāmahī' literally translates to 'Great Mother'.
発音ガイド
- Shortening the final 'ī' to a quick 'i'.
- Dropping the 'h' entirely (saying mātā-ma-ī).
- Confusing with 'Mātāmaha' (grandfather).
- Pronouncing 'tā' as a soft English 't' instead of the dental Hindi 't'.
- Adding a nasal sound where none exists.
難易度
Easy to read if you know the script, but requires knowledge of formal vocabulary.
Spelling 'Mātāmahī' correctly with the long 'ī' and the 'h' is important.
Requires clear articulation of the Sanskrit syllables.
Easily recognized in formal speeches or TV shows once learned.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
次に学ぶ
上級
知っておくべき文法
Feminine nouns ending in 'ī' do not change in the oblique case (singular).
Mātāmahī se (from grandmother), not Mātāmahe se.
Honorific plural verbs for elders.
Mātāmahī aa rahi hain (is coming - respectful).
Possessive pronouns must match the gender of the noun.
Merī mātāmahī (My maternal grandmother).
Tatsama words follow Sanskrit patterns.
Mātāmaha (M) -> Mātāmahī (F).
Adjective agreement.
Dayālu mātāmahī (Kind maternal grandmother).
レベル別の例文
मेरी नानी अच्छी हैं।
My maternal grandmother is good. (Common word)
A1 uses 'Nani' for maternal grandmother.
वह मेरी मातामही है।
She is my maternal grandmother. (Formal)
Introducing the formal term.
मातामही घर पर हैं।
Maternal grandmother is at home.
Using 'hain' for respect.
मेरी मातामही का नाम सीता है।
My maternal grandmother's name is Sita.
Possessive 'meri' matches feminine noun.
मातामही कहाँ हैं?
Where is the maternal grandmother?
Question form with honorific.
यह मेरी मातामही की साड़ी है।
This is my maternal grandmother's saree.
Double possessive 'ki' for saree.
मातामही सो रही हैं।
Maternal grandmother is sleeping.
Present continuous with respect.
नमस्ते मातामही!
Greetings, maternal grandmother!
Formal greeting.
मेरी मातामही बहुत बूढ़ी हैं।
My maternal grandmother is very old.
Adjective 'boodhi' is feminine.
क्या आपकी मातामही यहाँ रहती हैं?
Does your maternal grandmother live here?
Interrogative sentence.
मातामही ने मुझे फल दिए।
Maternal grandmother gave me fruits.
Past tense with 'ne'.
मेरी मातामही कहानी सुनाती हैं।
My maternal grandmother tells stories.
Habitual present.
मैं अपनी मातामही से प्यार करता हूँ।
I love my maternal grandmother.
Oblique case 'apni' remains same.
मातामही कल आएँगी।
Maternal grandmother will come tomorrow.
Future tense with honorific plural 'aayengi'.
उनकी मातामही बीमार हैं।
His/Her maternal grandmother is ill.
Respectful plural 'hain'.
मातामही के पास एक बिल्ली है।
Maternal grandmother has a cat.
Possession using 'ke paas'.
मेरी मातामही एक प्रसिद्ध लेखिका थीं।
My maternal grandmother was a famous writer.
Formal register 'lekhika'.
उन्होंने अपनी मातामही की याद में एक पेड़ लगाया।
He planted a tree in memory of his maternal grandmother.
Compound postposition 'ki yaad me'.
मातामही के आशीर्वाद से सब ठीक हो गया।
Everything became fine with the maternal grandmother's blessing.
Abstract noun 'aashirwad'.
वह अपनी मातामही के बहुत करीब है।
She is very close to her maternal grandmother.
Adjective 'kareeb' (close).
मातामही की आँखों में आँसू थे।
There were tears in the maternal grandmother's eyes.
Plural 'aansu' with 'the'.
मेरी मातामही को पुरानी फ़िल्में पसंद हैं।
My maternal grandmother likes old movies.
Dative subject 'ko'.
मातामही ने हमें गाँव की संस्कृति के बारे में बताया।
Maternal grandmother told us about village culture.
Topic marker 'ke baare me'.
उनकी मातामही का व्यक्तित्व बहुत प्रभावशाली था।
Their maternal grandmother's personality was very influential.
Formal noun 'vyaktitva'.
साहित्य में मातामही का चित्रण अक्सर ममतामयी रूप में किया जाता है।
In literature, the maternal grandmother is often depicted in a motherly form.
Passive voice 'kiya jata hai'.
मेरी मातामही ने स्वतंत्रता संग्राम में भाग लिया था।
My maternal grandmother had participated in the freedom struggle.
Historical context.
मातामही की बुद्धिमत्ता की चर्चा पूरे गाँव में होती थी।
The maternal grandmother's wisdom was discussed throughout the village.
Abstract noun 'buddhimatta'.
उन्होंने अपनी मातामही से पारंपरिक व्यंजनों की विधि सीखी।
She learned the recipes of traditional dishes from her maternal grandmother.
Plural 'vyanjanon'.
मातामही का स्वास्थ्य अब पहले से बेहतर है।
The maternal grandmother's health is now better than before.
Comparative 'pehle se behtar'.
मेरी मातामही धार्मिक ग्रंथों का नियमित पाठ करती हैं।
My maternal grandmother regularly recites religious scriptures.
Formal verb 'path karna'.
मातामही के बिना हमारा घर सूना लगता है।
Our house feels empty without the maternal grandmother.
Postposition 'ke bina'.
यह गहना मेरी मातामही की विरासत है।
This jewelry is my maternal grandmother's heritage.
Formal noun 'virasat'.
मातामही की स्मृतियाँ मेरे हृदय में सदैव जीवित रहेंगी।
The memories of my maternal grandmother will always remain alive in my heart.
High-register plural 'smritiyaan'.
उनकी मातामही ने परिवार की मर्यादा को सदैव अक्षुण्ण रखा।
His maternal grandmother always kept the family's dignity intact.
Advanced vocabulary 'akshunn'.
शास्त्रों के अनुसार, मातामही का ऋण कभी चुकाया नहीं जा सकता।
According to the scriptures, the debt to the maternal grandmother can never be repaid.
Philosophical context.
मेरी मातामही के शांत स्वभाव ने हमें बहुत प्रभावित किया।
My maternal grandmother's calm nature influenced us greatly.
Compound noun 'shant svabhav'.
मातामही ने अपने जीवन के अनुभवों को एक डायरी में संजोया था।
The maternal grandmother had cherished her life experiences in a diary.
Formal verb 'sanjoya'.
उनकी मातामही का निधन एक युग का अंत था।
The passing of his maternal grandmother was the end of an era.
Metaphorical usage.
मातामही की उदारता की कोई सीमा नहीं थी।
There was no limit to the maternal grandmother's generosity.
Abstract noun 'udaarta'.
मेरी मातामही ने मुझे संस्कृत के श्लोक कंठस्थ कराए थे।
My maternal grandmother had me memorize Sanskrit verses.
Causative verb 'kanthasth karaye'.
मातामही के प्रति उनका अनुराग उनकी कविताओं में स्पष्ट झलकता है।
His affection for his maternal grandmother is clearly reflected in his poems.
Literary register 'anurag'.
प्राचीन काल में, मातामही को कुल की संरक्षिका माना जाता था।
In ancient times, the maternal grandmother was considered the protector of the clan.
Archaic context 'sanrakshika'.
मातामही की अनुपस्थिति में उत्सव का उल्लास फीका पड़ गया।
In the absence of the maternal grandmother, the joy of the festival faded.
High-register 'ullas'.
उनकी मातामही का जीवन त्याग और तपस्या की एक प्रतिमूर्ति था।
Their maternal grandmother's life was an embodiment of sacrifice and penance.
Abstract concepts 'tyag' and 'tapasya'.
मातामही के मुखमंडल पर एक अलौकिक तेज था।
There was a divine radiance on the maternal grandmother's face.
Sanskritized 'mukhmandal' and 'alaukik'.
उन्होंने अपनी मातामही के पदचिह्नों पर चलने का संकल्प लिया।
He took a vow to follow in his maternal grandmother's footsteps.
Idiomatic 'padchihnon par chalna'.
मातामही की वाणी में एक अद्भुत माधुर्य था।
There was a wonderful sweetness in the maternal grandmother's voice.
High-register 'madhurya'.
मेरी मातामही ने मुझे विपरीत परिस्थितियों में धैर्य रखना सिखाया।
My maternal grandmother taught me to keep patience in adverse circumstances.
Complex phrase 'vipreet paristhitiyon'.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— Respectful salutation to the maternal grandmother.
चिट्ठी के अंत में लिखा था—मातामही को प्रणाम।
— Following the values or path set by the maternal grandmother.
वह अपनी मातामही के पदचिह्नों पर चल रही है।
— Refers to the comfort and safety of a grandmother's embrace.
बच्चा मातामही की गोद में सो गया।
— In the times/era of the maternal grandmother.
मातामही के ज़माने में चीज़ें बहुत सस्ती थीं।
— The pampering and affection of the maternal grandmother.
पोते-पोतियों को मातामही का दुलार बहुत मिलता है।
— Serving or taking care of the maternal grandmother.
वृद्धावस्था में मातामही की सेवा करना हमारा कर्तव्य है।
よく混同される語
Paternal grandmother (father's mother) vs. maternal.
Maternal grandfather (male) vs. female.
Mother vs. grandmother.
慣用句と表現
— To be in a very difficult or painful situation (literally: remembering one's grandmother). While it uses 'Nani', 'Mātāmahī' is the formal subject of this concept.
मुश्किल सवाल देखकर उसे नानी याद आ गई।
Informal— A metaphor for a place of ease, comfort, and no rules.
यह कोई नानी का घर नहीं है जहाँ तुम कुछ भी करो!
Informal— To be silenced or to lose one's spirit/excitement.
जब सच सामने आया, तो उसकी नानी मर गई।
Slang/Old-fashioned— Under the protection or guidance of the grandmother.
वह अपनी मातामही की छाया में बड़ा हुआ।
Literary— The light of the clan (often said of maternal elders).
मातामही हमारे कुल की ज्योति थीं।
Formal— The meeting of generations (often involving grandmothers).
मातामही का घर पीढ़ियों का संगम है।
Formal間違えやすい
Same meaning.
Nani is informal/common; Mātāmahī is formal/literary.
Nani is used at home; Mātāmahī is used in a biography.
Both mean grandmother.
Dadi is paternal; Mātāmahī is maternal.
Dadi is father's mother; Mātāmahī is mother's mother.
Similar sound.
Matri is a prefix for 'maternal'; Mātāmahī is a specific noun.
Matribhasha (mother tongue) vs Mātāmahī.
Part of the word.
Maha is an adjective meaning 'great'; Mātāmahī is a kinship term.
Mahatma (great soul) vs Mātāmahī.
Used for elders.
Ammā is often regional for mother or grandmother; Mātāmahī is standard formal Hindi.
Ammā is used in South/Rural India; Mātāmahī in Shuddh Hindi.
文型パターン
वह मेरी [Noun] है।
वह मेरी मातामही है।
[Noun] [Adjective] हैं।
मातामही बहुत दयालु हैं।
मैंने [Noun] से [Something] सीखा।
मैंने मातामही से खाना बनाना सीखा।
[Noun] का [Quality] [Verb] है।
मातामही का स्वभाव बहुत शांत है।
यद्यपि [Noun] [State], तथापि [Result]।
यद्यपि मातामही वृद्ध हैं, तथापि वे बहुत सक्रिय हैं।
[Noun] की [Abstract Noun] [Literary Verb]।
मातामही की स्मृतियाँ हृदय में कौंधती हैं।
क्या आपकी [Noun] [Place] में रहती हैं?
क्या आपकी मातामही जयपुर में रहती हैं?
मेरी [Noun] ने [Action] किया था।
मेरी मातामही ने समाज सेवा की थी।
語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
使い方
Low in speech, Medium in literature.
-
Using 'Mera' Mātāmahī
→
Meri Mātāmahī
Mātāmahī is feminine, so the possessive must be 'Meri'.
-
Confusing with Pitāmahī
→
Mātāmahī
Pitāmahī is paternal; Mātāmahī is maternal.
-
Using singular verb 'hai'
→
hain (plural)
Always use the honorific plural for elders in Hindi.
-
Spelling it as Matamahi
→
Mātāmahī
The 'a' sounds are long (ā), and the 'i' is long (ī).
-
Calling her Mātāmahī directly
→
Nani Ji
Mātāmahī is usually for referring to her, not calling out to her.
ヒント
Learn the Pairs
Always learn Mātāmahī alongside Pitāmahī so you don't confuse the two sides of the family.
The 'H' Sound
Practice the 'ma-hī' part slowly. The 'h' is vital for the word to sound correct and not like a different word.
Formal Letters
If you write a letter in a Hindi exam, using Mātāmahī instead of Nani will impress the examiner.
Watch Epics
Watch the Mahabharat TV series to hear characters use this word in a natural historical context.
Gender Check
Always remember it's feminine. This is a common mistake for beginners who see a long word and forget the ending.
Root Logic
Remember Mātā = Mother. If it starts with Mātā, it's the mother's side. If it starts with Pitā, it's the father's side.
Don't use with friends
Using this with friends might sound funny or sarcastic because it's so formal. Stick to Nani in casual settings.
Visualizing
Visualize a family tree. On the mother's side, write 'Mātāmahī' at the top.
Context Clues
If you see a word starting with 'Mātā-' in a family context, it's almost always maternal.
Formal Speeches
Listen for this word during wedding speeches or formal family introductions.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of 'Mātā' (Mother) + 'Mahi' (Earth/Great). Your maternal grandmother is like the 'Great Mother' who birthed your mother.
視覚的連想
Imagine an old queen sitting on a throne, representing the 'formal' version of your grandmother. She is the 'Mātāmahī'.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to write a five-sentence paragraph about a famous queen's maternal grandmother using 'Mātāmahī' at least three times.
語源
Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Mātāmahī'. In Sanskrit, 'Mātā' means mother and '-maha' is a suffix used to denote the generation of grandparents. The feminine suffix 'ī' is added to change the gender from the masculine 'Mātāmaha'.
元の意味: The mother of one's mother; the female elder of the maternal line.
Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit -> Prakrit -> Hindi)文化的な背景
None. It is a highly respectful and positive word.
English speakers should note that while they use 'Grandmother' for both sides, Hindi speakers are very sensitive to the distinction between maternal and paternal lines.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Writing a formal letter
- पूजनीय मातामही
- मातामही का स्वास्थ्य
- सादर प्रणाम
- आपका दौहित्र/दौहित्री
Reading historical fiction
- राजमाता और मातामही
- मातामही का आशीर्वाद
- वंश की रक्षा
- प्राचीन परंपरा
Genealogical research
- मातामही का नाम
- मातामही का मूल निवास
- वंशावली
- मातृ पक्ष
Religious ceremonies
- मातामही तर्पण
- पूजा का संकल्प
- पुरोहित
- आशीर्वचन
Academic essays
- पारिवारिक संरचना
- मातृसत्तात्मक
- रिश्तों की शब्दावली
- तत्सम शब्द
会話のきっかけ
"क्या आप अपनी मातामही के बारे में कुछ बता सकते हैं?"
"आपकी मातामही का सबसे प्रिय संस्मरण क्या है?"
"क्या आपकी मातामही ने आपको कभी कोई पुरानी कहानी सुनाई है?"
"आपकी मातामही किस शहर से हैं?"
"क्या आप अपनी मातामही की तरह दिखते हैं?"
日記のテーマ
अपनी मातामही के साथ बिताए गए एक यादगार दिन का वर्णन करें।
आपकी मातामही ने आपको जीवन का कौन सा सबसे महत्वपूर्ण पाठ सिखाया?
यदि आप अपनी मातामही को एक पत्र लिख सकें, तो आप क्या कहेंगे?
आपकी मातामही के व्यक्तित्व की तीन मुख्य विशेषताएँ क्या हैं?
आपकी मातामही की विरासत आपके जीवन में कैसे जीवित है?
よくある質問
10 問Rarely. In daily life, people use 'Nani'. Mātāmahī is used in formal writing, literature, or when being extremely respectful.
The masculine version is 'Mātāmaha', which means maternal grandfather (mother's father).
No. For your father's mother, you must use 'Pitāmahī' (formal) or 'Dadi' (informal).
You should use the honorific 'Ji' after the name (Mātāmahī Ji) and use plural verb forms like 'hain' or 'thin'.
Yes, it is a Tatsama word, which means it is borrowed directly from Sanskrit into Hindi without changes.
No, there is no short form. If you want a shorter or easier word, use 'Nani'.
Use it in formal essays, letters to elders, or when translating literary passages to gain higher marks for vocabulary.
Technically yes (Mātāmahiyāñ), but since people usually have only one maternal grandmother, the plural is rarely used.
The difference is purely one of register (formality). They refer to the same person.
Only in historical or mythological films like 'Baahubali' or 'Jodhaa Akbar'. In modern movies, they use 'Nani'.
自分をテスト 200 問
Write a sentence using 'मातामही' and 'आशीर्वाद'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Hindi: 'My maternal grandmother lives in a village.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe your maternal grandmother in three sentences using the word 'मातामही'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal greeting to your maternal grandmother.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to English: 'साहित्य में मातामही का स्थान ऊँचा है।'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence comparing 'मातामही' and 'नानी'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
How would you ask if someone's maternal grandmother is healthy in formal Hindi?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short poem line about 'मातामही'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I received this jewelry from my maternal grandmother.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'मातामही' in a sentence about a historical queen.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a diary entry start mentioning your 'मातामही'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The maternal grandmother's house is in Prayagraj.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'मातामही' and 'विदुषी'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the meaning of 'मातामही' in Hindi.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Blessings of the maternal grandmother are precious.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'मातामही' in the future tense.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'She is my mother's mother.' (Use formal Hindi)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'मातामही' and 'संस्कार'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'His maternal grandmother was a teacher.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about visiting your 'मातामही'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce 'मातामही' clearly. Focus on the 'hī' sound.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Tell a short story about your 'मातामही' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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How would you respectfully introduce your maternal grandmother to a guest?
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say 'My maternal grandmother is the best' in formal Hindi.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Ask someone where their maternal grandmother lives.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Describe one quality of your 'मातामही' orally.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Recite: 'मातामही का आशीर्वाद सदा साथ रहे।'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Explain the difference between 'Nani' and 'Mātāmahī' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say 'I miss my maternal grandmother' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask: 'Is your maternal grandmother coming to the wedding?'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce 'Pitāmahī' and 'Mātāmahī' back to back.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'She is my mother's mother, my Mātāmahī.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell a joke your 'मातामही' might like in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Discuss the importance of grandmothers in Indian culture using 'मातामही'.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'The maternal grandmother's blessing is powerful.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'I am going to my maternal grandmother's house.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Pronounce 'Mātāmaha' and 'Mātāmahī'.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Ask: 'What is your maternal grandmother's name?'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'My maternal grandmother is 80 years old.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Thank you, maternal grandmother.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Listen to the word: 'मातामही'. Does it refer to the father's or mother's side?
Listen to the sentence: 'मेरी मातामही दिल्ली में हैं।' Where is she?
Listen to the sentence: 'कल मातामही आएँगी।' When is she coming?
Listen to: 'मातामही बीमार हैं।' How is she?
Listen to: 'यह मातामही की साड़ी है।' Whose saree is it?
Listen to: 'मातामही ने खाना बनाया।' Who cooked the food?
Listen to: 'मातामही को फल पसंद हैं।' What does she like?
Listen to: 'मातामही पूजा कर रही हैं।' What is she doing?
Listen to: 'मातामही सो रही हैं।' Is she awake?
Listen to: 'यह घर मेरी मातामही का है।' Whose house is it?
Listen to: 'मातामही बहुत विद्वान थीं।' Was she educated?
Listen to: 'मातामही का पत्र आया है।' What arrived?
Listen to: 'मैं मातामही के पास जा रहा हूँ।' Where is the speaker going?
Listen to: 'मातामही ने मुझे बुलाया।' Who called the speaker?
Listen to: 'मातामही की आवाज़ बहुत मीठी है।' How is her voice?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'Mātāmahī' when you want to sound respectful, formal, or literary. While 'Nani' is for home, 'Mātāmahī' is for honors and history. Example: 'मेरी मातामही का आशीर्वाद' (My maternal grandmother's blessing).
- Mātāmahī is the formal Hindi word for maternal grandmother.
- It is derived from Sanskrit and used in literary or formal contexts.
- The common everyday equivalent is 'Nani'.
- It is a feminine noun and requires honorific plural verb forms.
Learn the Pairs
Always learn Mātāmahī alongside Pitāmahī so you don't confuse the two sides of the family.
The 'H' Sound
Practice the 'ma-hī' part slowly. The 'h' is vital for the word to sound correct and not like a different word.
Formal Letters
If you write a letter in a Hindi exam, using Mātāmahī instead of Nani will impress the examiner.
Watch Epics
Watch the Mahabharat TV series to hear characters use this word in a natural historical context.
関連コンテンツ
familyの関連語
आबाद
B1居住している、繁栄している;人口が多く栄えている。
आँचल
B1サリーの端(母の保護の象徴)。
आचरण
B1The way a person behaves; conduct.
आँगन
A2家の中心にある屋根のない中庭。インドの伝統的な家庭生活の中心地です。
आंगन
A2家の中庭(ああんがん)。
आग्रह करना
B1誰かに何かをするよう熱心に、または丁寧に頼むこと。
आज्ञा
B1正式な命令または許可。
आज्ञा का पालन करना
B1命令や指示に従うこと。
आज्ञा मानना
A2命令や規則に従うこと。(彼は父親に従った。/ 彼女は法律に従わなければならない。)
आज्ञा पालन करना
B1従う