abuela
/aˈbwela/
The Spanish word for grandmother is abuela.
Abuela is the most common and general term used to refer to a grandmother. If you want to refer to someone else's grandmother, you can use the phrase la abuela de [Name].
Which one should you use?
While abuela is the standard term, you may encounter Abuelita, which is a diminutive used as an affectionate and endearing way to refer to a grandmother or Abue, which is a shortened, informal version common among younger generations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain and parts of Latin America, the term Yaya is popular as an endearing and friendly way to refer to a grandmother. In Argentina and Uruguay, the term Nonna is sometimes used as a synonym for abuela.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of abuela is abuelas. When referring to a group of grandmothers that includes at least one male, the masculine plural form abuelos is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbwela/
Did you know?
- The word abuela descends from aviola, which was already a diminutive form of the Latin word avia meaning 'grandmother'.
- The term abuela can be used as a formal title of respect for any elderly woman in a community, regardless of blood relation.
- While Nonna is used in Argentina and Uruguay due to Italian immigration, the word is borrowed directly from Italian and does not follow standard Spanish phonetic evolution.
Examples in context
- Mi abuela me enseñó a cocinar deliciosas recetas.My grandmother taught me how to cook delicious recipes.
- ¿Has visto a la abuela María hoy?Have you seen grandma Maria today?
- La abuela de Ana vive en el campo.Ana's grandmother lives in the countryside.
- Pedro fue a visitar a la abuela Juana al hospital.Pedro went to visit grandma Juana at the hospital.
- Nuestra abuelita tiene noventa años y aún es muy activa.Our grandma is ninety years old and still very active.
- Hoy voy a almorzar con mi abuela en su casa.Today, I'm going to have lunch with my grandma at her house.
- Mi abuela es muy cariñosa.My grandmother is very affectionate.
- Voy a visitar a mi abuela.I am going to visit my grandmother.
- La abuela de Lucía cocina muy bien.Lucía's grandmother cooks very well.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about family plans.
- Alejandro¿Vas a ver a tu abuela este fin de semana?Are you going to see your grandmother this weekend?
- LucíaSí, quiero pasar tiempo con mi abuela.Yes, I want to spend time with my grandmother.
- AlejandroQué bueno, ella te quiere mucho.That's good, she loves you a lot.
- LucíaEs verdad, es la mejor.It's true, she is the best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry abuela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abuela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
