परनानी
परनानी 30초 만에
- Parnani specifically means your maternal great-grandmother (mother's grandmother).
- It is a feminine noun always used with the honorific 'Ji' for respect.
- The word distinguishes the maternal line from the paternal 'Pardadi'.
- Grammatically, it requires feminine agreement and plural verbs for honorifics.
The Hindi word परनानी (Parnani) is a specific kinship term used to identify one's maternal great-grandmother. In the intricate web of Indian family structures, relationships are not merely biological markers but are defined by specific terms that indicate exactly which side of the family a person belongs to. While the English language often uses the umbrella term 'great-grandmother' for both the father's and mother's side, Hindi distinguishes them with surgical precision. Parnani refers specifically to your mother's maternal grandmother (the mother of your Nani). This distinction is crucial in North Indian culture because the maternal and paternal lineages carry different social and emotional weights, often involving different sets of traditions, visits, and expectations.
- Lineage Specificity
- The term is derived by adding the prefix 'Par-' (पर) to 'Nani' (नानी). In Hindi, 'Nani' is your mother's mother. The prefix 'Par-' functions similarly to 'great-' in English but is applied to the maternal root. Therefore, your Parnani is the woman who gave birth to the woman who gave birth to your mother. This direct line of maternal heritage is often celebrated in stories and family lore as the 'source' of maternal wisdom and resilience.
- Social Context
- Using this word usually happens during family gatherings, weddings, or when discussing ancestry. In many Indian households, the Parnani is viewed as the ultimate matriarch of the maternal side. Even if she is no longer living, her name is invoked with great reverence. When she is present, she is often the recipient of the highest form of respect, such as 'Pairi-Pauna' (touching the feet) or 'Pranam'. The term is almost always suffixed with 'Ji' to show respect: Parnani Ji.
मेरी परनानी ने मुझे अपनी पुरानी कहानियाँ सुनाईं। (My great-maternal grandmother told me her old stories.)
In contemporary urban settings, the word might be heard less frequently as families become nuclear, but it remains a staple in genealogical discussions. It represents a bridge to a past era—often a time before the Partition of India or during early independence—making the Parnani a living historical archive. When a child is born, the Parnani is often the one who compares the baby's features to ancestors three generations back, reinforcing the continuity of the family line.
Furthermore, the term Parnani carries a phonetic softness that mirrors the affectionate relationship typically shared with the maternal side of the family in South Asian cultures. While the paternal side (Dadi/Pardadi) is often associated with discipline and lineage maintenance, the maternal side (Nani/Parnani) is traditionally associated with pampering, summer vacations, and unconditional love. Thus, speaking of one's Parnani often evokes a sense of nostalgia for ancestral homes and ancestral recipes passed down through women.
Using परनानी (Parnani) correctly involves understanding Hindi's gender agreement and the vital importance of honorifics. Since 'Parnani' is a feminine noun, any adjectives or verbs associated with her must reflect the feminine gender. However, because she is an elder, the plural form of verbs and adjectives is used to signify respect (the 'honorific plural').
- Grammatical Agreement
- When you say 'My Parnani is coming,' you don't use the singular feminine verb aa rahi hai. Instead, you use the plural form aa rahi hain (with the nasalized 'n'). Example: 'मेरी परनानी जी आ रही हैं।' (Meri Parnani ji aa rahi hain). Note how 'Meri' (feminine) matches 'Parnani', but the verb 'hain' is plural for respect.
- Possessives
- Always use the feminine possessive pronoun 'मेरी' (Meri) or 'आपकी' (Aapki). Even if the speaker is male, the pronoun must match the gender of the noun 'Parnani'. If you are talking about someone else's Parnani, use 'की' (ki) as the connector. Example: 'राम की परनानी' (Ram's great-maternal grandmother).
क्या आपने अपनी परनानी को कभी देखा है? (Have you ever seen your great-maternal grandmother?)
In narrative writing, 'Parnani' often serves as a focal point for heritage. You might describe her features using adjectives like 'बूढ़ी' (budhi - old) or 'दयालु' (dayalu - kind). In complex sentences involving the oblique case (when a preposition follows the noun), the word 'Parnani' does not change its form, but the associated words might. For instance, 'परनानी के लिए' (For Parnani) uses the masculine oblique 'ke' because 'liye' is a postposition, but 'Parnani' remains the same.
When introducing her in a formal setting, you would say: 'ये मेरी परनानी जी हैं' (Ye meri Parnani ji hain). This uses the formal 'Ye' (these/this) and 'hain' (are), treating her as a plural entity to show immense respect. In casual conversation, you might discuss her health or her memories: 'परनानी की याददाश्त बहुत तेज़ है' (Parnani's memory is very sharp). Here, 'ki' connects 'Parnani' to 'yaaddasht' (memory), which is also a feminine noun.
The word परनानी (Parnani) resonates most deeply in the domestic sphere, particularly within multi-generational households or during significant life events. While you might not hear it in a business meeting or a science lecture, it is a cornerstone of social and emotional vocabulary in Hindi-speaking communities.
- Family Reunions & Weddings
- Indian weddings are massive affairs where the entire extended family tree gathers. This is the prime location to hear 'Parnani'. You'll hear younger cousins asking, 'Where is Parnani Ji sitting?' or 'Has Parnani Ji eaten yet?' In these contexts, she is often the guest of honor, and her presence is considered a blessing (Ashirwad) for the new couple.
- Religious and Traditional Ceremonies
- During 'Puja' (prayer) or 'Sanskars' (rites of passage like naming ceremonies), the lineage is often invoked. The Parnani might be mentioned when reciting the family's 'Gotra' or history. You will hear priests or elders referencing her to establish the child's maternal roots.
मेरी परनानी के पास विभाजन के समय के कई किस्से हैं। (My great-maternal grandmother has many stories from the time of Partition.)
In rural India, the Parnani often holds the 'keys' to traditional medicine and folklore. You might hear a mother say to her child, 'Go ask Parnani what herb to use for this cough.' In this setting, the word is synonymous with ancient, lived expertise. It is also common in emotional Bollywood dramas where the 'Parnani' character often represents the moral compass or the keeper of family secrets.
Finally, you will hear this word in legal or administrative contexts involving inheritance or ancestral property in India. When documenting a family tree (Vanshavali), the term 'Parnani' is used to officially denote the maternal great-grandmother's position. Even in modern genealogical apps used by the Indian diaspora, this specific term is preferred over the generic English equivalent to maintain the cultural clarity of the maternal line.
Learning kinship terms in Hindi can be a linguistic minefield for English speakers because of the distinction between maternal and paternal sides. Here are the most frequent pitfalls when using परनानी (Parnani).
- Confusing Parnani with Pardadi
- This is the number one mistake. Learners often use 'Parnani' for any great-grandmother. Remember: Parnani is your mother's grandmother. Pardadi is your father's grandmother. Using the wrong one can be confusing during family discussions, as it suggests a completely different branch of the family tree.
- Gender Mismatch in Verbs
- Because 'Parnani' is feminine, the verb must end in 'i' sounds (like karti, rahi, thi). However, learners sometimes use masculine forms if they themselves are male. Remember: the verb agrees with the subject (Parnani), not the speaker. Correct: 'Parnani baithi hain.' Incorrect: 'Parnani baithe hain' (unless using the masculine plural for general respect, but feminine plural is preferred for women).
गलत: मेरी परनानी अच्छा है। (Wrong: My great-grandmother is good - using masculine 'achha').
सही: मेरी परनानी अच्छी हैं। (Right: My great-grandmother is good - using feminine 'achhi' and plural 'hain').
Another mistake is the omission of the honorific 'Ji'. While grammatically 'Parnani' is enough, culturally it is incomplete. It's like calling your boss by their first name in a culture where that's forbidden. Always add 'Ji' to be safe. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the 'Par-' prefix, accidentally saying 'Pra-nani' or 'Per-nani'. The 'Par' (पर) should be short and crisp.
Lastly, don't confuse 'Parnani' with 'Parnana'. 'Parnana' is the male counterpart (great-grandfather). In Hindi, gender endings are usually 'i' for feminine and 'a' for masculine. Mixing these up changes the person's gender entirely, which can lead to humorous but awkward situations during introductions.
To truly master Hindi kinship, you must see where परनानी (Parnani) sits in relation to other terms. Hindi has a word for every specific branch of the family tree.
- Pardadi (परदादी)
- This is the paternal equivalent. She is your father's grandmother. While 'Parnani' connects you to your mother's roots, 'Pardadi' connects you to your father's ancestral lineage and surname.
- Nani (नानी)
- Your mother's mother. The 'base' word for Parnani. Most people have a closer relationship with their Nani, and the Parnani is often remembered through the Nani's stories.
- Parnana (परनाना)
- The husband of your Parnani. He is your mother's maternal grandfather. The 'a' ending denotes the masculine gender.
रिश्तों की तुलना:
1. नानी: माँ की माँ
2. परनानी: नानी की माँ
In some dialects or more formal Sanskritized Hindi, you might encounter the term 'Prapitamahi' (प्रपितामही), though this is much more common for the paternal side. 'Parnani' remains the standard, most widely understood term across India. In very informal settings, some might just use 'Nani' for both a grandmother and great-grandmother to simplify, but 'Parnani' is the correct, specific term.
When comparing these terms, it's helpful to visualize the family tree. On the maternal side (Nanihal), you have: Nana/Nani -> Parnana/Parnani. On the paternal side (Dadihal), you have: Dada/Dadi -> Pardada/Pardadi. Understanding this symmetry makes it much easier to memorize the entire set of Hindi kinship terms without getting overwhelmed.
How Formal Is It?
재미있는 사실
In Hindi, kinship terms are so specific that you can often tell exactly how two people are related just by the word they use, unlike English where 'Aunt' could mean four different things.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing 'Par' as 'Pair'. It should be 'Per' as in 'percent'.
- Making the 'n' sound too dental. It's a standard alveolar 'n' in Hindi.
- Shortening the final 'i' sound. It must be a long 'ee'.
난이도
Easy to read as it follows standard phonetic rules.
Need to remember the 'n' sounds and the 'i' vowel ending.
Simple pronunciation, but must remember the honorific plural.
Clearly distinguishable from 'Pardadi' once you know the 'N' vs 'D' rule.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Honorific Plural
परनानी आ रही *हैं* (not है).
Feminine Agreement
मेरी *अच्छी* परनानी (not अच्छा).
Oblique Case
परनानी *के* पास (not का).
Possessive 'ki'
परनानी *की* लाठी (matches feminine 'laathi').
Suffix 'Ji'
परनानी *जी* (always added for respect).
수준별 예문
ये मेरी परनानी हैं।
This is my great-maternal grandmother.
Uses 'ye' (this/these) and 'hain' (are) for respect.
परनानी जी नमस्ते।
Hello, Great-grandmother.
Adding 'Ji' is essential for respect.
मेरी परनानी बहुत अच्छी हैं।
My great-maternal grandmother is very good.
Adjective 'achhi' matches feminine gender.
वह मेरी परनानी की फोटो है।
That is my great-maternal grandmother's photo.
'ki' connects Nani to 'photo'.
परनानी कहाँ हैं?
Where is Great-grandmother?
Plural 'hain' for respect.
मेरी परनानी का नाम सुशीला है।
My great-maternal grandmother's name is Sushila.
'ka' matches 'naam' (masculine), not Parnani.
परनानी चाय पी रही हैं।
Great-grandmother is drinking tea.
Present continuous feminine plural.
मुझे मेरी परनानी पसंद हैं।
I like my great-maternal grandmother.
Standard 'pasand' construction.
मेरी परनानी गाँव में रहती हैं।
My great-maternal grandmother lives in a village.
Habitual present tense.
परनानी जी आज हमारे घर आएँगी।
Great-grandmother will come to our house today.
Future tense, feminine plural honorific.
मेरी परनानी की उम्र नब्बे साल है।
My great-maternal grandmother's age is ninety years.
Use of 'umr' (age).
परनानी ने मुझे एक कहानी सुनाई।
Great-grandmother told me a story.
Simple past with 'ne' agentive marker.
क्या आपकी परनानी यहाँ हैं?
Is your great-maternal grandmother here?
Interrogative sentence.
मेरी परनानी बहुत मीठा खाना बनाती हैं।
My great-maternal grandmother cooks very sweet (tasty) food.
Adjective 'meetha' describing food.
मेरी परनानी को फल पसंद हैं।
My great-maternal grandmother likes fruits.
Dative subject construction with 'ko'.
परनानी के बाल सफेद हैं।
Great-grandmother's hair is white.
'ke' used for plural 'baal' (hair).
मेरी परनानी की याददाश्त अभी भी बहुत तेज़ है।
My great-maternal grandmother's memory is still very sharp.
Use of 'yaaddasht' (memory).
परनानी जी हमें पुराने ज़माने की बातें बताती हैं।
Great-grandmother tells us things about the old days.
Use of 'purane zamane' (old times).
जब मैं छोटा था, मेरी परनानी मेरे लिए स्वेटर बुनती थीं।
When I was young, my great-maternal grandmother used to knit sweaters for me.
Past habitual tense 'bunti thin'.
मेरी परनानी ने देश का बँटवारा अपनी आँखों से देखा था।
My great-maternal grandmother saw the country's partition with her own eyes.
Past perfect with 'ne'.
हमें अपनी परनानी का सम्मान करना चाहिए।
We should respect our great-maternal grandmother.
Modal verb 'chahiye' (should).
मेरी परनानी को चश्मा लगाना पड़ता है।
My great-maternal grandmother has to wear glasses.
Compulsion construction 'padta hai'.
परनानी की सलाह हमेशा काम आती है।
Great-grandmother's advice is always useful.
Abstract noun 'salah' (advice).
मेरी परनानी और नानी एक जैसी दिखती हैं।
My great-maternal grandmother and maternal grandmother look alike.
Comparison using 'ek jaisi'.
मेरी परनानी उस पीढ़ी की हैं जिन्होंने बहुत संघर्ष किया।
My great-maternal grandmother belongs to that generation which struggled a lot.
Relative clause 'jinhonne'.
परनानी के बिना हमारे परिवार का इतिहास अधूरा है।
Without Great-grandmother, our family history is incomplete.
Prepositional phrase 'ke bina'.
मेरी परनानी ने मुझे सिखाया कि मुश्किल समय में कैसे मज़बूत रहना चाहिए।
My great-maternal grandmother taught me how to stay strong in difficult times.
Complex sentence with 'ki'.
परनानी जी की कहानियों में हमेशा कोई न कोई सीख होती है।
There is always some lesson or the other in Great-grandmother's stories.
Indefinite pronoun 'koi na koi'.
मेरी परनानी की विरासत को संभालना मेरी ज़िम्मेदारी है।
It is my responsibility to preserve my great-maternal grandmother's legacy.
Abstract noun 'virasat' (legacy).
शायद ही कोई होगा जो मेरी परनानी को न जानता हो।
There would hardly be anyone who doesn't know my great-maternal grandmother.
Subjunctive mood 'janta ho'.
परनानी के आशीर्वाद से ही सब कुछ संभव हुआ।
Everything became possible only with Great-grandmother's blessings.
Emphasis marker 'hi'.
मेरी परनानी के चेहरे की झुर्रियां उनके अनुभव की गवाह हैं।
The wrinkles on my great-maternal grandmother's face are witnesses to her experience.
Metaphorical language.
मेरी परनानी भारतीय संस्कृति की एक जीवित प्रतिमूर्ति थीं।
My great-maternal grandmother was a living embodiment of Indian culture.
Formal term 'pratimurti' (embodiment).
परनानी के देहांत के बाद, परिवार की कई परंपराएं लुप्त हो गईं।
After Great-grandmother's passing, many family traditions vanished.
Formal term 'dehant' (passing/death).
उनकी बातों में वह सौम्यता थी जो अब कम ही देखने को मिलती है।
There was a gentleness in her words that is rarely seen now.
Abstract noun 'saumyata' (gentleness).
मेरी परनानी ने समाज के बदलते स्वरूप को बहुत करीब से देखा था।
My great-maternal grandmother had observed the changing face of society very closely.
Formal phrasing.
परनानी जी का व्यक्तित्व इतना प्रभावशाली था कि हर कोई उनसे प्रभावित हो जाता था।
Great-grandmother's personality was so influential that everyone would get impressed by her.
Result clause 'itna...ki'.
अपनी परनानी से मैंने धैर्य और सहनशीलता का पाठ सीखा।
From my great-maternal grandmother, I learned the lesson of patience and tolerance.
Ethical vocabulary.
परनानी की स्मृतियाँ आज भी हमारे मन में ताज़ा हैं।
Great-grandmother's memories are still fresh in our minds today.
Formal word 'smritiyan' (memories).
मेरी परनानी ने स्त्री शिक्षा के महत्व को उस दौर में भी समझा था।
My great-maternal grandmother understood the importance of women's education even in that era.
Historical/Social context.
मेरी परनानी के जीवन का वृत्तांत किसी महाकाव्य से कम नहीं है।
The chronicle of my great-maternal grandmother's life is nothing less than an epic.
High literary style.
परनानी की वाणी में वह अधिकार था जो केवल अनुभव से आता है।
In Great-grandmother's voice, there was that authority which only comes from experience.
Abstract concept 'adhikar' (authority).
उन्होंने अपनी परनानी की वंशावली को पुनर्जीवित करने का संकल्प लिया।
He/She took a vow to revive their great-maternal grandmother's genealogy.
Advanced vocabulary 'vanshavali' (genealogy).
मेरी परनानी की ममता का आंचल हम सबके लिए एक सुरक्षा कवच था।
The veil of my great-maternal grandmother's motherly love was a protective shield for all of us.
Metaphorical 'aanchal' and 'kavach'.
परनानी जी के आदर्शों का निर्वहन करना ही उनके प्रति सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि होगी।
Upholding Great-grandmother's ideals will be the true tribute to her.
Formal 'shradhanjali' (tribute).
उनका अस्तित्व ही हमारे कुल की मर्यादा का प्रतीक था।
Her very existence was a symbol of our clan's dignity.
Clan/Lineage vocabulary.
परनानी के सानिध्य में बीते वे पल आज भी आत्मिक शांति प्रदान करते हैं।
Those moments spent in Great-grandmother's company still provide spiritual peace.
Sanskritized 'saanidhya' (company).
मेरी परनानी की सूझबूझ ने कई बार परिवार को बिखरने से बचाया।
Great-grandmother's wisdom saved the family from falling apart many times.
Idiomatic 'bikharne se bachana'.
동의어
반의어
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— To go to the great-grandmother's place or to sit with her.
चलो, परनानी के पास बैठते हैं।
— Like the great-grandmother (often referring to looks or habits).
तुम बिल्कुल अपनी परनानी की तरह दिखती हो।
— Great-grandmother's trunk (often implying hidden treasures/old things).
परनानी के संदूक में पुराने सिक्के थे।
— To lose Great-grandmother's glasses (a common trope).
फिर से तुमने परनानी का चश्मा खो दिया?
— Great-grandmother's hand (implying her cooking or touch).
इस खाने में परनानी के हाथ का स्वाद है।
— Great-grandmother's scolding (usually affectionate).
परनानी की डाँट में भी प्यार होता है।
자주 혼동되는 단어
Pardadi is the father's grandmother; Parnani is the mother's grandmother.
Nani is the grandmother; Parnani is the great-grandmother.
Parnana is the male (great-grandfather); Parnani is the female.
관용어 및 표현
— To be in a very difficult situation where you remember your ancestors out of fear or struggle.
पहाड़ पर चढ़ते समय मुझे परनानी याद आ गई।
Informal— Something very old-fashioned or ancient.
यह फोन तो परनानी के ज़माने का लग रहा है।
Informal— Something that sounds unbelievable or like a fairy tale.
तुम्हारी बातें परनानी की कहानी जैसी लगती हैं।
Informal— Old home remedies passed down through generations.
ज़ुकाम के लिए परनानी के नुस्खे सबसे अच्छे हैं।
Neutral— To act like a very old, bossy woman.
इतनी छोटी उम्र में परनानी मत बनो।
Slang/Informal— The support of a great-grandmother (often a child she relies on).
राहुल अपनी परनानी की लाठी है।
Neutral— A collection of mysterious or old items.
उसका बैग तो परनानी की पोटली है, सब कुछ मिलता है इसमें।
Informal— Cotton candy (literally 'Great-grandmother's hair' in some regional contexts).
मेले में हमने परनानी के बाल खाए।
Informal— The apple of Great-grandmother's eye.
छोटा पोता परनानी की आँख का तारा है।
Neutral혼동하기 쉬운
Both mean 'great-grandmother'.
Hindi distinguishes between paternal (Pardadi) and maternal (Parnani) lineages.
मेरी परदादी पंजाब से थीं, लेकिन मेरी परनानी उत्तर प्रदेश से थीं।
Only one letter difference at the end.
'a' at the end is masculine, 'i' is feminine.
मेरे परनाना और परनानी दोनों शिक्षक थे।
The root word is the same.
The prefix 'Par-' adds one generation of distance.
मेरी नानी मेरी माँ की माँ हैं, और मेरी परनानी मेरी नानी की माँ हैं।
Commonly mixed up by beginners.
Dadi is father's mother; Nani is mother's mother.
दादी घर पर हैं, नानी शहर में रहती हैं।
Related relationship.
Parnani is the elder (great-grandmother); Parpoti is the younger (great-granddaughter).
परनानी अपनी नन्ही परपोती को देख कर खुश हुईं।
문장 패턴
ये मेरी [Relative] हैं।
ये मेरी परनानी हैं।
मेरी परनानी [Adjective] हैं।
मेरी परनानी बहुत दयालु हैं।
परनानी जी [Verb-Past Habitual] थीं।
परनानी जी रोज़ मंदिर जाती थीं।
मेरे पास परनानी की [Object] है।
मेरे पास परनानी की घड़ी है।
अगर परनानी [Verb-Condition], तो [Result]।
अगर परनानी यहाँ होतीं, तो बहुत खुश होतीं।
परनानी का [Noun] बहुत [Adjective] है।
परनानी का स्वभाव बहुत शांत है।
परनानी के [Abstract Noun] ने हमें [Verb] किया।
परनानी के त्याग ने हमें प्रेरित किया।
[Clause], परनानी का अस्तित्व [Metaphor] था।
चाहे कितनी भी मुश्किलें आईं, परनानी का अस्तित्व एक चट्टान की तरह था।
어휘 가족
명사
형용사
관련
사용법
Common in family contexts, rare in professional ones.
-
Saying 'Mera Parnani'
→
Meri Parnani
Parnani is feminine, so the possessive pronoun must be 'Meri'.
-
Using 'Hai' instead of 'Hain'
→
Hain
Always use the plural 'Hain' for elders to show respect.
-
Confusing Parnani with Pardadi
→
Use Parnani for maternal side
Pardadi is paternal; mixing them confuses the family lineage.
-
Pronouncing 'Par' like 'Par' in 'Golf'
→
Pronounce like 'per' in 'percent'
The 'a' in 'Par' is a short schwa sound in Hindi.
-
Omitting 'Ji' in direct address
→
Parnani Ji
It's culturally impolite to address a great-grandmother without an honorific.
팁
Show Respect
Whenever you meet your Parnani, it is customary to touch her feet or bow slightly as a sign of respect. This is called 'Charan Sparsh'.
Verb Agreement
Always use plural verbs (hain, thin, aayi) for your Parnani. Using singular verbs is a common mistake for learners.
The 'N' Rule
Remember that 'N' in Nani and Parnani stands for 'Nanihal' (maternal home). This will help you distinguish it from 'Dadi' (paternal).
Prefix Power
Learn the prefix 'Par-'. It's the same for 'Pardada', 'Pardadi', and 'Parnana'. It's a very efficient way to expand your kinship vocabulary.
Soft 'P'
Don't over-emphasize the 'P'. Keep it soft and short. The melody of the word should be smooth: per-NA-nee.
Family Gatherings
Use this word during weddings. It's a great way to impress your Hindi-speaking relatives by showing you know the specific family tree.
Nasalization
In the plural/respectful form 'hain', don't forget the dot (bindu) over the 'hai'. It changes the sound and the level of respect.
Photos
If you see an old photo, ask 'Kya ye aapki parnani hain?' It's a perfect conversation starter.
Listen for the 'Ji'
If you hear 'Parnani Ji', you know the speaker is being polite. If you hear just 'Parnani', they might be talking about her in the third person very informally.
Sanskrit Roots
Knowing that 'Par' comes from 'Para' (beyond) helps you understand words like 'Par-lok' (the world beyond/afterlife) too!
암기하기
기억법
Think of 'Par' as 'Far'. Your Parnani is the grandmother who is one step 'Farther' than your Nani.
시각적 연상
Imagine a photo of your mother, then her mother (Nani), then a black-and-white photo behind them (Parnani). The layers represent the 'Par-' prefix.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to trace your maternal lineage back to your Parnani and write down three adjectives to describe her in Hindi.
어원
Derived from the Sanskrit prefix 'Para-' (beyond/further) and 'Nani' (maternal grandmother).
원래 의미: The grandmother who is one step further/beyond the primary grandmother.
Indo-Aryan family, branching from Sanskrit through Prakrit and Apabhramsha.문화적 맥락
Always use 'Ji'. Using the name of a Parnani directly is often considered disrespectful in traditional families.
In English, we just say 'Great-grandmother'. In Hindi, you must specify 'Parnani' to show you mean the mother's side.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
Family Introduction
- ये मेरी परनानी हैं।
- इनसे मिलिए, ये मेरी परनानी हैं।
- मेरी परनानी का नाम...
- परनानी जी, प्रणाम।
Discussing Age
- परनानी की उम्र काफी है।
- वह नब्बे साल की हैं।
- परनानी अभी भी चल सकती हैं।
- उनकी सेहत अच्छी है।
Storytelling
- परनानी कहानी सुनाओ।
- पुरानी बातें बताओ।
- आपके ज़माने में क्या होता था?
- परनानी के किस्से।
Festivals
- परनानी के लिए उपहार।
- परनानी का आशीर्वाद लो।
- सब परनानी के घर आए हैं।
- परनानी की पसंद की मिठाई।
Photography
- ये परनानी की फोटो है।
- परनानी के साथ एक सेल्फी।
- पुरानी एल्बम में परनानी।
- परनानी की जवानी की तस्वीर।
대화 시작하기
"क्या आपकी परनानी अभी भी आपके साथ रहती हैं?"
"आपकी परनानी को सबसे ज़्यादा क्या पसंद है?"
"क्या आपने कभी अपनी परनानी से उनके बचपन की कहानियाँ सुनी हैं?"
"आपकी परनानी का जन्म कहाँ हुआ था?"
"आपकी परनानी की सबसे अच्छी बात क्या है?"
일기 주제
अपनी परनानी के बारे में पाँच वाक्य लिखिए।
अगर आप अपनी परनानी से एक सवाल पूछ सकें, तो वह क्या होगा?
परनानी के घर की किसी एक पुरानी चीज़ का वर्णन करें।
परनानी और आपके बीच के रिश्ते के बारे में लिखें।
परनानी की सुनाई हुई किसी एक कहानी को याद करके लिखें।
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Parnani is your maternal great-grandmother (mother's mother's mother). Pardadi is your paternal great-grandmother (father's father's mother). Hindi is very specific about which side of the family a relative belongs to.
Yes, in Hindi culture, it is highly recommended to add 'Ji' when referring to or addressing elders. Saying just 'Parnani' can be seen as informal or even rude in many families.
Yes, it is the standard word for maternal great-grandmother. While you might not use it every day, it is used whenever discussing extended family or ancestry.
You would say 'मेरी परनानी जी नब्बे साल की हैं' (Meri Parnani ji nabbe saal ki hain). Note the use of 'hain' at the end for respect.
No, 'Parnani' is specifically for the direct grandmother of your mother. A great-aunt would have a different term depending on the specific relation (e.g., Nani's sister).
The masculine version is 'Parnana' (परनाना), which means maternal great-grandfather.
Yes, but in Hindi, it is unaspirated, meaning you don't blow out a puff of air when saying it. It's a soft 'P'.
In terms of counting multiple great-grandmothers (unlikely in a direct line but possible in broader contexts), the plural is 'Parnaniyan'. However, the verb is always plural when talking about even one Parnani to show respect.
In other contexts, 'Par' can mean 'but', 'on', or 'at'. But as a prefix in kinship, it always means 'one generation beyond'.
Some families use 'Badi Nani' (Big Grandmother), but 'Parnani' is the most accurate and common term.
셀프 테스트 200 질문
Write a sentence in Hindi introducing your Parnani.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'My great-grandmother is very kind.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe your Parnani's appearance in two sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the word 'Parnani' and 'Kahani'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
How would you ask where your Parnani is?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I am going to my Parnani's house.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about Parnani's role in the family.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Parnani's memory is very sharp.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'Parnani' and 'Aashirwad'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'My Parnani lives in a small village.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a memory you have with a Parnani (or a hypothetical one).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'We must respect our ancestors.' (Use Parnani as an example).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the formal term 'Prapitamahi'.
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How do you say 'Parnani's advice' in Hindi?
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Translate: 'Parnani is drinking tea in the garden.'
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Write a sentence about Parnani's health.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Is this your Parnani's photo?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence comparing Parnani and Nani.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Parnani was a teacher before the partition.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'Parnani' as a subject in the future tense.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'My great-grandmother is here' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
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Pronounce 'Parnani' correctly.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Ask 'How is your Parnani?' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'I love my Parnani' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
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Tell a short fact about your Parnani in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'Parnani, please tell a story.'
Read this aloud:
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Say 'Happy Birthday, Parnani!'
Read this aloud:
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Ask 'Where does your Parnani live?'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'This is my Parnani's house.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Parnani is very wise.'
Read this aloud:
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Say 'I am taking blessings from Parnani.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Parnani's hair is like silver.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'My Parnani was born in 1930.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'I miss my Parnani.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Parnani, take your medicine.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Parnani cooks the best food.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'My Parnani is the head of our family.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'I saw my Parnani in my dream.'
Read this aloud:
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Say 'Parnani is very strong.'
Read this aloud:
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Say 'Parnani, thank you for the gift.'
Read this aloud:
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Listen and identify the relation: 'Ye meri maa ki nani hain.'
Identify the color: 'Parnani ke baal safed hain.'
Where is she: 'Parnani mandir gayi hain.'
What is she doing: 'Parnani so rahi hain.'
Identify the number: 'Parnani ki umr assi saal hai.'
What did he take: 'Maine parnani se aashirwad liya.'
Identify the object: 'Ye parnani ki chadi hai.'
Who is coming: 'Aaj parnani aa rahi hain.'
Identify the taste: 'Parnani ka khana meetha hai.'
What is lost: 'Parnani ka chashma kho gaya.'
Identify the emotion: 'Parnani bahut khush hain.'
What is she telling: 'Parnani kissa suna rahi hain.'
Identify the season: 'Garmiyon mein hum parnani ke ghar jaate hain.'
What is she wearing: 'Parnani ne peeli saree pehni hai.'
Identify the relation: 'Nani ki ma kaun hoti hain?'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'Parnani' is essential for navigating Indian family dynamics. It identifies your mother's maternal grandmother, highlighting the importance Hindi places on specific lineage. Example: 'मेरी परनानी जी बहुत ज्ञानी हैं' (My great-maternal grandmother is very wise).
- Parnani specifically means your maternal great-grandmother (mother's grandmother).
- It is a feminine noun always used with the honorific 'Ji' for respect.
- The word distinguishes the maternal line from the paternal 'Pardadi'.
- Grammatically, it requires feminine agreement and plural verbs for honorifics.
Show Respect
Whenever you meet your Parnani, it is customary to touch her feet or bow slightly as a sign of respect. This is called 'Charan Sparsh'.
Verb Agreement
Always use plural verbs (hain, thin, aayi) for your Parnani. Using singular verbs is a common mistake for learners.
The 'N' Rule
Remember that 'N' in Nani and Parnani stands for 'Nanihal' (maternal home). This will help you distinguish it from 'Dadi' (paternal).
Prefix Power
Learn the prefix 'Par-'. It's the same for 'Pardada', 'Pardadi', and 'Parnana'. It's a very efficient way to expand your kinship vocabulary.
예시
मैं अपनी परनानी से मिलने जा रहा हूँ।
관련 콘텐츠
family 관련 단어
आबाद
B1거주하는, 번영하는; 인구가 많고 번창하는.
आँचल
B1사리의 끝자락 (어머니의 보호를 상징).
आचरण
B1The way a person behaves; conduct.
आँगन
A2집 중앙에 있는 지붕이 없는 안뜰. 인도 전통 가옥에서 가족 생활의 중심이 되는 공간입니다.
आंगन
A2집 안의 안뜰.
आग्रह करना
B1누군가에게 무엇을 하도록 간곡히 요청하거나 권하다.
आज्ञा
B1공식적인 명령이나 허가.
आज्ञा का पालन करना
B1명령이나 지시를 따르다.
आज्ञा मानना
A2명령이나 규칙에 순종하다. (그는 아버지에게 순종했다. / 그녀는 법을 준수해야 한다.)
आज्ञा पालन करना
B1복종하다