vanaema

Vanaema is the Estonian word for grandmother. It is used to refer to the mother of one's parent and is commonly employed as a term of affection by grandchildren. In English, the closest equivalents are grandmother or grandma.

Etymology: The word is a compound of vana “old” and ema “mother,” reflecting the traditional role of an elder female parental figure. The form is standard in Estonian and appears in everyday speech as well as literature.

Cultural role: In Estonian families, vanaema often participates in caregiving, cooking, and storytelling, and may serve as a bridge for family language and cultural traditions. The concept carries warmth and respect and appears in many folk songs, proverbs, and children's narratives.

Related terms: The masculine equivalent is vanaisa. The plural form is vanaemad. The term is used across social contexts, from informal family talk to formal references in media and education.