tía
neutral
An aunt is tía in Colombian Spanish, and tita is the affectionate short form many families use.
Meaning: sister of a parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| tía | neutral |
| tita | affectionate |
Colombians put tía before the name, as in tía Marta. Close family friends are often called tía too, even without a blood relation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is feminine. An uncle is tío and los tíos can mean uncles and aunts together.
Did you know?
- Colombians often use usted even with relatives, so a niece may say ¿cómo está? to her aunt instead of ¿cómo estás?
Examples in context
- Mi tía vive en Barranquilla.My aunt lives in Barranquilla.
- Tía Marta, ¿cómo está?Aunt Marta, how are you?
- Mis tías hicieron la comida.My aunts made the meal.
Example conversation
Valentina phones her aunt Marta to wish her well.
- ValentinaHola, tía Marta. ¿Cómo está?Hi, Aunt Marta. How are you?
- MartaMuy bien, mi niña. ¿Y tu mamá?Very well, my dear. And your mom?
- ValentinaBien, tía. Le manda saludos.Fine, Auntie. She sends her greetings.
