Note
祖母 is a formal alternative for grandmother. You might encounter this word in written contexts or official documents. In most contexts it's advised to use お婆さん instead, as it sounds more friendly and respectful.
Breakdown of sobo
mother
母
ancestor
祖
You now exist because your ancestors displayed the wisdom to have another one.
Usages of sobo
祖母 は ガン で 亡くなった。sobo ha gan de nakunatta.
My grandmother died of cancer.
彼女 の 祖母 は 心 の 病気 を 持って いました。kanozyo no sobo ha kokoro no byouki wo motte imasita.
Her grandmother had a heart disease.
Using 持って いる suggests that the condition or disease is chronic, whereas かかって いる is neutral with respect to duration.
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