Translation of Japanese word "祖父" to English
祖父
そふ
[sofu]
IPA: /sofu/
Meaning
NounA father of someone's parent.
How to use
祖父 (sofu) — 'grandfather (one's own)'. Polite/someone else's: おじいさん (ojiisan). 祖父母 (sofubo) — grandparents.
🇬🇧 English
grandfather (own)
Pronunciation Guide
Japanese Kanji: 祖父
Phonetic Reading (Hiragana): そふ
Romaji Transcription: sofu
Example Sentences
私の祖父はとても優しいです。
わたしのそふはとてもうやしいです。
My grandfather is very kind.
彼の祖父は戦争に参加しました。
かれのそふはせんそうにさんかしました。
His grandfather participated in the war.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- おじいさん— grandfather (polite / elder man)
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #439 in Japanese
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common Japanese words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Japanese word "祖父" mean?▼
The Japanese word "祖父" means "grandfather (own)" in English.
How do you pronounce the Japanese word "祖父"?▼
The word "祖父" is read as "そふ" (sofu). You can hear the correct audio pronunciation by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see a usage guide or example with "祖父"?▼
Yes, here is a practical context/example: "Refers to a grandfather.".
More People & Family words
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →