Family words are special in any language because they express love and closeness. If you want to speak French, learning how to say “grandpa” is a good start. It helps you share affection and connect with French-speaking families. Words for grandparents in French often show respect and warmth.
In this article, you will learn how to say “grandpa” in French. You will also find other ways to say it, discover how to respond, and practice using the term. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently use these words to talk about your grandpa or address others in a French-speaking family.
Ways to Say Grandpa in French
There are many ways to say “grandpa” in French, depending on the setting, formality, and family traditions. Some words are simple and casual, while others sound more formal or affectionate. Below are some of the most common ways to say “grandpa” in French, along with their meanings and examples to help you understand how to use them.
1. Grand-père
Pronunciation: grahn-pehr
Meaning: Grandfather (formal)
In a Sentence:
- Mon grand-père adore raconter des histoires. (My grandfather loves telling stories.)
- Ce cadeau est pour mon grand-père. (This gift is for my grandfather.)
2. Papi
Pronunciation: pah-pee
Meaning: Grandpa (affectionate, informal)
In a Sentence:
- Papi, peux-tu m’aider avec mon vélo? (Grandpa, can you help me with my bike?)
- J’aime aller pêcher avec Papi. (I love going fishing with Grandpa.)
3. Pépé
Pronunciation: peh-peh
Meaning: Grandpa (affectionate, informal, often regional)
In a Sentence:
- Pépé, raconte-moi une histoire! (Grandpa, tell me a story!)
- Nous rendons visite à Pépé ce week-end. (We are visiting Grandpa this weekend.)
4. Bon-papa
Pronunciation: bohn-pah-pah
Meaning: Dear grandpa (used in some French-speaking families)
In a Sentence:
- Bon-papa a préparé un délicieux repas pour nous. (Dear Grandpa made a delicious meal for us.)
- J’adore passer du temps avec Bon-papa. (I love spending time with dear Grandpa.)
5. Papé
Pronunciation: pah-peh
Meaning: Grandpa (regional, common in Southern France)
In a Sentence:
- Papé habite à la campagne. (Grandpa lives in the countryside.)
- J’ai passé l’été chez Papé. (I spent the summer at Grandpa’s place.)
6. Grand-papa
Pronunciation: grahn-pah-pah
Meaning: Granddad (slightly formal)
In a Sentence:
- Grand-papa m’a appris à jouer aux échecs. (Granddad taught me how to play chess.)
- J’attends avec impatience la visite de Grand-papa. (I’m looking forward to Granddad’s visit.)
7. Vieux
Pronunciation: vyuh
Meaning: Old man (can be affectionate but informal)
In a Sentence:
- Hé, Vieux, comment ça va? (Hey, old man, how’s it going?)
- Mon Vieux est le meilleur bricoleur. (My old man is the best handyman.)
8. Papounet
Pronunciation: pah-poo-neh
Meaning: Grandpa (very affectionate, often used by young kids)
In a Sentence:
- Papounet, viens jouer avec moi! (Grandpa, come play with me!)
- Mon Papounet est super drôle. (My Grandpa is super funny.)
9. Papou
Pronunciation: pah-poo
Meaning: Grandpa (affectionate, common in some families)
In a Sentence:
- Papou, on va au parc aujourd’hui? (Grandpa, are we going to the park today?)
- Je suis allé voir Papou hier. (I visited Grandpa yesterday.)
10. Abi
Pronunciation: ah-bee
Meaning: Grandpa (informal, derived from Arabic and used in some French families)
In a Sentence:
- Abi est toujours très gentil avec nous. (Grandpa is always very kind to us.)
- On va chez Abi pour le déjeuner. (We are going to Grandpa’s for lunch.)
11. Dédé
Pronunciation: deh-deh
Meaning: Grandpa (playful nickname, regional)
In a Sentence:
- Dédé m’a offert un livre pour mon anniversaire. (Grandpa gave me a book for my birthday.)
- On va dîner chez Dédé ce soir. (We’re having dinner at Grandpa’s tonight.)
12. Grandounet
Pronunciation: grahn-doo-neh
Meaning: Sweet grandpa (informal, affectionate)
In a Sentence:
- Mon Grandounet adore jardiner. (My sweet Grandpa loves gardening.)
- J’ai passé un bon moment avec Grandounet hier. (I had a good time with Grandpa yesterday.)
13. Papichou
Pronunciation: pah-pee-shoo
Meaning: Grandpa (affectionate, playful)
In a Sentence:
- Papichou, tu viens jouer au ballon? (Grandpa, are you coming to play ball?)
- J’adore les blagues de Papichou. (I love Grandpa’s jokes.)
14. Tonton-papi
Pronunciation: tohn-tohn pah-pee
Meaning: Uncle-grandpa (used when an uncle takes on a grandfatherly role)
In a Sentence:
- Tonton-papi nous a emmenés au zoo. (Uncle-grandpa took us to the zoo.)
- Les enfants adorent Tonton-papi. (The kids love Uncle-grandpa.)
15. Papoulin
Pronunciation: pah-poo-lan
Meaning: Grandpa (affectionate and playful)
In a Sentence:
- Papoulin a cuisiné notre plat préféré. (Grandpa cooked our favorite dish.)
- On fait une promenade avec Papoulin cet après-midi. (We are going for a walk with Grandpa this afternoon.)
16. Grandou
Pronunciation: grahn-doo
Meaning: Grandpa (affectionate, shortened version of grand-père)
In a Sentence:
- Grandou m’a donné de bons conseils. (Grandpa gave me good advice.)
- J’aime écouter les histoires de Grandou. (I love listening to Grandpa’s stories.)
17. Pépère
Pronunciation: peh-pehr
Meaning: Grandpa (casual and affectionate, sometimes humorous)
In a Sentence:
- Pépère adore jouer aux cartes avec nous. (Grandpa loves playing cards with us.)
- Nous avons passé la journée chez Pépère. (We spent the day at Grandpa’s.)
18. Grandie
Pronunciation: grahn-dee
Meaning: Grandpa (playful and informal)
In a Sentence:
- Grandie nous emmène souvent au parc. (Grandpa often takes us to the park.)
- Les enfants adorent quand Grandie leur lit des histoires. (The kids love when Grandpa reads them stories.)
19. Papoun
Pronunciation: pah-poon
Meaning: Grandpa (endearing and informal)
In a Sentence:
- Papoun est toujours de bonne humeur. (Grandpa is always in a good mood.)
- On a passé un moment merveilleux avec Papoun. (We had a wonderful time with Grandpa.)
20. Abi-chéri
Pronunciation: ah-bee sheh-ree
Meaning: Beloved grandpa (affectionate, combines Arabic and French influence)
In a Sentence:
- Abi-chéri prépare des desserts délicieux. (Beloved Grandpa makes delicious desserts.)
- Les petits-enfants adorent passer du temps avec Abi-chéri. (The grandchildren love spending time with beloved Grandpa.)
21. Pépou
Pronunciation: peh-poo
Meaning: Grandpa (shortened and playful)
In a Sentence:
- Pépou aime raconter des blagues. (Grandpa loves telling jokes.)
- On va dîner chez Pépou ce soir. (We’re having dinner at Grandpa’s tonight.)
22. Papito
Pronunciation: pah-pee-toh
Meaning: Grandpa (affectionate, with a Spanish influence)
In a Sentence:
- Papito, peux-tu m’aider avec mes devoirs? (Grandpa, can you help me with my homework?)
- J’adore les histoires de Papito. (I love Grandpa’s stories.)
23. Grandp’pa
Pronunciation: grahn-pah
Meaning: Grandpa (modern and casual)
In a Sentence:
- Grandp’pa m’a appris à conduire. (Grandpa taught me how to drive.)
- Nous avons passé une journée amusante avec Grandp’pa. (We had a fun day with Grandpa.)
24. Papy-doux
Pronunciation: pah-pee-doo
Meaning: Sweet Grandpa (very affectionate and playful)
In a Sentence:
- Papy-doux adore lire des histoires aux enfants. (Sweet Grandpa loves reading stories to the kids.)
- Les câlins de Papy-doux sont les meilleurs. (Grandpa’s hugs are the best.)
25. Nonno
Pronunciation: nohn-noh
Meaning: Grandpa (borrowed from Italian, used in some French-speaking regions)
In a Sentence:
- Nonno a toujours de bonnes anecdotes à raconter. (Grandpa always has good stories to tell.)
- Nous avons passé les vacances avec Nonno. (We spent the holidays with Grandpa.)
Other Ways to Say Grandpa in French
Below is a table listing additional ways to say “grandpa” in French. These expressions are unique to certain regions or contexts and offer a variety of affectionate or casual ways to address your grandfather.
| Other Ways to Say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| Grand-papou | grahn-pah-poo | Grandpa (very affectionate) | Grand-papou adore jouer avec les enfants. (Grandpa loves playing with the kids.) |
| Papounou | pah-poo-noo | Sweet grandpa | Papounou m’a aidé à construire ma cabane. (Grandpa helped me build my treehouse.) |
| Pépé-d’amour | peh-peh dah-moor | Grandpa (dearest grandpa) | Pépé-d’amour est venu à mon spectacle. (Grandpa came to my performance.) |
| Pépé-chéri | peh-peh sheh-ree | Beloved grandpa | Pépé-chéri est toujours gentil avec nous. (Grandpa is always kind to us.) |
| Bon vieux | bohn vyuh | Good old man (affectionate) | Le bon vieux adore les soirées en famille. (The good old man loves family evenings.) |
| Père-grand | pehr-grahn | Grandfather (old-fashioned) | Père-grand raconte des histoires de son enfance. (Grandfather tells stories of his youth.) |
| Papichon | pah-pee-shohn | Grandpa (playful and affectionate) | Papichon a acheté des bonbons pour les enfants. (Grandpa bought candy for the kids.) |
| Pépère adoré | peh-pehr ah-do-ray | Adored grandpa | Pépère adoré a préparé un gâteau. (Grandpa baked a cake.) |
| Mon vieux-père | mohn vyuh-pehr | My old father (affectionate) | Mon vieux-père est un excellent cuisinier. (My old father is an excellent cook.) |
| Vieux loup | vyuh loo | Old wolf (playful nickname) | Le vieux loup adore jouer avec les petits. (The old wolf loves playing with the kids.) |
Responses to Grandpa in French
When addressing or responding to your grandpa in French, you can use specific terms to show affection, gratitude, or acknowledgment. These responses make conversations with your grandpa warm and heartfelt. Here are some common ways to respond to grandpa in French, along with their meanings and examples.
1. Merci, Papi
Pronunciation: mehr-see, pah-pee
Meaning: Thank you, Grandpa
In a Sentence:
- Merci, Papi, pour le chocolat. (Thank you, Grandpa, for the chocolate.)
- Merci, Papi, tu es le meilleur. (Thank you, Grandpa, you’re the best.)
2. Je t’aime, Pépé
Pronunciation: zhuh tem, peh-peh
Meaning: I love you, Grandpa
In a Sentence:
- Je t’aime, Pépé, tu es trop gentil. (I love you, Grandpa, you’re so kind.)
- Je t’aime, Pépé, merci pour tout. (I love you, Grandpa, thank you for everything.)
3. Oui, Grand-père
Pronunciation: wee, grahn-pehr
Meaning: Yes, Grandpa
In a Sentence:
- Oui, Grand-père, je vais t’aider. (Yes, Grandpa, I’ll help you.)
- Oui, Grand-père, je t’écoute. (Yes, Grandpa, I’m listening to you.)
4. D’accord, Pépère
Pronunciation: dah-kohr, peh-pehr
Meaning: Okay, Grandpa
In a Sentence:
- D’accord, Pépère, je vais ranger ma chambre. (Okay, Grandpa, I’ll clean my room.)
- D’accord, Pépère, on y va! (Okay, Grandpa, let’s go!)
5. Bien sûr, Papounet
Pronunciation: byan suhr, pah-poo-neh
Meaning: Of course, Grandpa
In a Sentence:
- Bien sûr, Papounet, je vais t’accompagner. (Of course, Grandpa, I’ll go with you.)
- Bien sûr, Papounet, je t’apporte ça tout de suite. (Of course, Grandpa, I’ll bring that to you right away.)
6. Je suis là, Papou
Pronunciation: zhuh swee lah, pah-poo
Meaning: I’m here, Grandpa
In a Sentence:
- Je suis là, Papou, pour t’aider. (I’m here, Grandpa, to help you.)
- Ne t’inquiète pas, Papou, je suis là. (Don’t worry, Grandpa, I’m here.)
7. Merci pour tout, Grand-papa
Pronunciation: mehr-see poor too, grahn-pah-pah
Meaning: Thank you for everything, Grandpa
In a Sentence:
- Merci pour tout, Grand-papa, tu es incroyable. (Thank you for everything, Grandpa, you’re amazing.)
- Merci pour tout, Grand-papa, je t’adore. (Thank you for everything, Grandpa, I adore you.)
8. Moi aussi, Papou
Pronunciation: mwah oh-see, pah-poo
Meaning: Me too, Grandpa
In a Sentence:
- Moi aussi, Papou, je suis content d’être ici. (Me too, Grandpa, I’m happy to be here.)
- Moi aussi, Papou, j’aime cette histoire. (Me too, Grandpa, I love this story.)
9. C’est gentil, Pépé
Pronunciation: say zhahn-tee, peh-peh
Meaning: That’s kind, Grandpa
In a Sentence:
- C’est gentil, Pépé, merci pour le cadeau. (That’s kind, Grandpa, thank you for the gift.)
- C’est gentil, Pépé, de penser à moi. (That’s kind, Grandpa, to think of me.)
10. Je suis fier de toi, Papy
Pronunciation: zhuh swee fee-ehr duh twah, pah-pee
Meaning: I’m proud of you, Grandpa
In a Sentence:
- Je suis fier de toi, Papy, pour tout ce que tu fais. (I’m proud of you, Grandpa, for everything you do.)
- Je suis fier de toi, Papy, tu es un modèle pour moi. (I’m proud of you, Grandpa, you’re a role model for me.)
Exercise to Practice Saying Grandpa in French
Below are 12 fill-in-the-blank sentences to help you practice the different ways to say “grandpa” in French. Each sentence includes a blank where you can insert the correct word or phrase for “grandpa.”
Fill-in-the-Blanks
- J’ai passé tout l’après-midi avec ________, c’était génial.
- ________, peux-tu me lire une histoire avant de dormir ?
- Nous avons acheté un cadeau spécial pour ________.
- Hier soir, ________ a préparé son plat préféré pour le dîner.
- ________, est-ce que tu veux jouer à un jeu avec nous ?
- Les enfants adorent passer leurs vacances chez ________.
- Je vais voir ________ ce week-end pour fêter son anniversaire.
- Merci pour ton aide, ________, tu es vraiment gentil.
- ________ m’a donné des conseils précieux sur la vie.
- Chaque dimanche, nous rendons visite à ________.
- ________ est très bon en jardinage et m’a montré comment planter des fleurs.
- Quand je suis triste, ________ trouve toujours un moyen de me faire sourire.
Answers
- J’ai passé tout l’après-midi avec Papi, c’était génial. (I spent the whole afternoon with Grandpa, it was great.)
- Pépé, peux-tu me lire une histoire avant de dormir ? (Grandpa, can you read me a story before bed?)
- Nous avons acheté un cadeau spécial pour Grand-père. (We bought a special gift for Grandpa.)
- Hier soir, Pépère a préparé son plat préféré pour le dîner. (Last night, Grandpa made his favorite dish for dinner.)
- Papounet, est-ce que tu veux jouer à un jeu avec nous ? (Grandpa, do you want to play a game with us?)
- Les enfants adorent passer leurs vacances chez Papi-doux. (The kids love spending their holidays at Grandpa’s.)
- Je vais voir Grand-papa ce week-end pour fêter son anniversaire. (I’m going to see Grandpa this weekend to celebrate his birthday.)
- Merci pour ton aide, Papou, tu es vraiment gentil. (Thank you for your help, Grandpa, you’re really kind.)
- Bon-papa m’a donné des conseils précieux sur la vie. (Dear Grandpa gave me valuable life advice.)
- Chaque dimanche, nous rendons visite à Grandou. (Every Sunday, we visit Grandpa.)
- Pépou est très bon en jardinage et m’a montré comment planter des fleurs. (Grandpa is very good at gardening and showed me how to plant flowers.)
- Quand je suis triste, Papichou trouve toujours un moyen de me faire sourire. (When I’m sad, Grandpa always finds a way to make me smile.)
Conclusion
Learning how to say “grandpa” in French is a wonderful way to connect with your family or French-speaking friends. Whether you use a formal term like Grand-père or an affectionate nickname like Papi or Pépé, these words reflect love and respect. By practicing different ways to say and respond to “grandpa,” you’ll feel confident expressing warmth in your conversations.
Remember, family terms are special, and using them correctly helps you bond with others. Keep practicing the exercises and trying these words in real-life situations. Soon, addressing your grandpa in French will feel as natural as it does in English!