奶奶 nǎi nai
“(informal) grandma (paternal grandmother); (respectful) mistress of the house; (coll.) boobies”
nounHSK 3 · 2021 list level 1Measure word 位
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
奶奶 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 409: 奶奶 nǎinai — Level 2; official annotation 2 (名). PDF page 90
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 奶奶
奶奶 means 'grandma' on the father's side—your father's mother. It is a common family noun, often used as 我奶奶, 你奶奶, or 奶奶家. For a mother's mother, use 外婆 (or regional 姥姥), not 奶奶.
例句Example sentences
- 我奶奶住在北京。wǒ nǎi nai zhù zài běi jīng.My grandma lives in Beijing.
- 周末我们去看奶奶。zhōu mò wǒ men qù kàn nǎi nai.We are going to see Grandma this weekend.
- 奶奶做的饭很好吃。nǎi nai zuò de fàn hěn hǎo chī.The food Grandma makes is delicious.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗我妈妈的妈妈是我的奶奶。
✓我妈妈的妈妈是我的外婆。
奶奶 specifically means father's mother; mother's mother is 外婆 (or 姥姥).