In English, if we are referring to someone we don't know, we might say, for example, "that woman over there" or "that man over there". If it's neccessary, we may say, "a young man" or "a middle-aged man" or "an older man". But classifying other people by age isn't the default.
But in some languages, including Japanese, people are often referred to by their age. ”お兄さん” ”おじさん” ”おじいさん”
The other day, we were talking with my nephew and his family through video chat. My nephew has a little boy who is just learning to say words. "Mama", "Papa", "わんわん”... words where one sound is repeated. He was so cute! It's amazing how fast children grow and learn and develop.
We took turns passing around the phone. When it was my husband's turn, our nephew's little boy said "じいじい！”
My husband and I don't have grandchildren yet of our own, so no one has ever called my husband that before. He has always looked young for his age. But I guess that maybe our age is finally catching up to us.
My poor husband. He was so shocked! His first time being called じいじい! But he laughed, and accepted the new rank. I'm sure my turn will come soon to reach the rank of おばあさん. It's OK--I don't mind. But if I have my own grandchildren some day, I will ask them to call me グランマちゃん .
Do you remember any moments when you were suddenly moved up in rank by being called おばさん、おじさん or おばあさん、おじいさん ?