Connecting Generations: 10 Simple Everyday Questions to Ask Your Aazobaa (Grandfather)

In the whirlwind of being a part of a Maharashtrian family while living abroad, navigating family relations can sometimes feel like unraveling a beautiful but complex tapestry. In the heart of every Maharashtrian family, the term “Aazobaa” resonates with warmth, respect, and a deep sense of familial bond. Whether he is your grandfather, your friend’s grandfather, or any revered elderly man, “Aazobaa” embodies wisdom and love.

Engaging with him in everyday conversations not only strengthens family ties but also enriches us with stories of the past and wisdom for the future.

Let us explore ten simple questions to ask your Aazobaa, bridging generations and cherishing the traditions that define us.

You would use the word Aazobaa as: Name + Aazobaa.

Here are 10 Simple Everyday Questions to Ask Your Aazobaa When You Call Him:

Toomhee kasey aahaat?
This simple question means “How are you?” and your Aazobaa would probably reply “Mee baraa aahey” i.e., “I’m fine.”

Aajee kashee aahey?
This question means “How is grandmother?” and your Aazobaa may reply “Aajee pan baree aahey” i.e., “Grandmother is also fine.”

Toomhee jevlaat kaa?
This means “Did you have lunch/dinner?” to which your Aazobaa might reply with “Ho” i.e., “Yes” if he has had lunch or with “Naahee azoon” i.e., “Not yet.”

Toomhee aaj jevaaylaa kaay banavl-uh hot-uh?
This can be your next question if your Aazobaa responds to the previous question with a “Ho.”

Toomhee aaj jevaaylaa kaay banavl-uh hot-uh?” means “What dish did you make today?” or you can modify it to “Aajee ne aaj jevaaylaa kaay banavl-uh hot-uh?” if grandmother did the cooking. He might reply with “Aajee ne aaj ____ banavl-uh hot-uh.

Kadhee yenaar aahaat?
You would use this question to ask “When will you come over?” To this, he can reply “Mee (time phrase) laa yenaar aahey” i.e., “I will come over on (time phrase).”

Aaj kaay kel-uh?
This means “What did you do today?” to which Aazobaa would usually reply “Aaj mee ____ (activity).

Toomchaa chashmaa saapadlaa kaa?
This question means “Did you find your glasses?” to which Aazobaa may reply with “Ho, saapadlaa” i.e., “Yes, I found it” or with “Naahee saapadlaa azoon” i.e., “Haven’t found it yet.”

Aaj news baghitlyaa kaa?
This question is “Did you watch the news today?” to which he can reply “Ho, mee news baghitla” i.e., “Yes, I saw the news” or with “Naahee azoon” i.e., “Not yet.”

Te naveen poostak vachun zhal-uh kaa?
This means “Are you done reading that new book?” to which he can reply “Ho, zhal-uh vachun” i.e., “Yes, I’m done reading the book” or with “Naahee zhal-uh azoon” i.e., “Haven’t finished reading it yet.”

Aaj firaaylaa janaar aahaat kaa?

This question means “Will you go out today?” You can also replace “firaaylaa” with any other activity. For example, “Aaj walk la janaar aahaat kaa?” would mean “Will you go for a walk today?” Here, your Aazobaa would probably reply “Ho, amhee aaj (firaaylaa / walk laa) jaanaar aahot” which means “Yes, we will (go out / go for a walk) today.”

Let’s remember that each conversation with our Aazobaa is a chance to honor our heritage and strengthen the ties that bind us together. So, the next time you pick up the phone or sit down with your Aazobaa, let these questions pave the way for moments that are as precious as they are enriching.

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