abuelo
/aˈbwelo/masculine
The Spanish word for grandfather is abuelo.
Abuelo is the most common and general term used to refer to a grandfather.
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Latin America, specifically Argentina and Uruguay, the Italian word nonno is used as an alternative to abuelo. In Spain, yayo is an informal term.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is abuelo. To refer to a grandmother, use the feminine form abuela. The plural form abuelos can refer specifically to grandfathers or to a mixed group of grandfathers and grandmothers (grandparents). You can also use the diminutive abuelitos to mean grandpas or dear grandfathers.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbwelo/
Did you know?
- The word abuelo is a diminutive form of the Latin avus. It essentially means 'little grandfather' because the suffix was originally added to create a term of endearment.
- In some regions of Mexico, you might hear the term papá or papito used by grandchildren to refer to their grandfather, reflecting a hierarchy of familial warmth.
- While abuelo is the standard term, some families use the word tata, which is a common affectionate term for grandfather in various Latin American countries.
Examples in context
- Él es mi abuelo.This is my grandfather.This sentence is useful for identifying a grandfather.Tatoeba #1901526 by hayastan, translation #1898106 by CK
- Tom es mi abuelo.Tom is my grandfather.Tatoeba #1496981 by marcelostockle, translation #1495853 by CK
- Yo cuido a mi abuelo.I take care of my grandfather.This sentence is useful for describing the care of a grandfather.Tatoeba #2639440 by marcelostockle, translation #65097 by CK
- Mi abuelo es un hombre sabioMy grandfather is a wise man
- Hablé con mi abuelito por teléfonoI spoke with my grandfather on the phone
- Fui al parque con mi tataI went to the park with my grandfather
- Mi yayo siempre me cuenta historias interesantesMy grandfather always tells me interesting stories
- 182 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at old family photos.
- Lucía¿Quién es este abuelo?Who is this grandfather?
- JavierEs mi abuelo materno.He is my maternal grandfather.
- LucíaTu abuelo parece muy simpático.Your grandfather looks very nice.
- JavierSí, era un abuelo excelente.Yes, he was an excellent grandfather.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries abuelo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abuelo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
