Liu Yida · Beijing Grandpa

Author: Liu Yida
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: "Ye" is a respectful term. Even a three-year-old knows that "ye" refers to a grandfather. However, the term "ye" for a grandfather is usually used together as "ye ye" (grandpa). In the north, the older brother of a grandfather is called "da ye," and the father of one's mother, i.e., the maternal grandfather, is also called "lao ye." "Ye" has several other uses. In old times, powerful and influential people were referred to as "lao ye." The term "ye" also carries the connotation of supreme authority, such as how the common folk call the "Sky Father" (Tian Wang Laozi). It is also used to refer to revered deities, such as the "Land God" (Tudi Ye) and the "King of Hell" (Yan Wang Ye). As a respectful term, northerners most commonly use "ye" to address older individuals as "da ye." However, this "ye" should be pronounced lightly. When asking for directions on the street and encountering an elderly person with white hair, addressing them as "lao da ye" is the most appropriate respectful term.