abuela
/aˈbwela/
The English phrase "grandma" translates to Spanish as abuela. Wiktionary also lists abuelita.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| abuela | /aˈbwela/ /aˈwela/ (dialectal) |
| abuelita | /abweˈlita/ |
The term is used to refer to a grandmother.
Which one should you use?
abuela is the standard word for grandmother. In contrast, abuelita is an affectionate, diminutive form similar to the English "granny" or "grandma". Additionally, abue is a casual abbreviation derived from abuela.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to both a grandmother and a grandfather together, use the masculine plural form abuelos.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbwela/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking families, the word abuela is used as a respectful title for any elderly woman, even if there is no biological relation.
- The word abuela is inherited from the Late Latin word aviola, which was a diminutive of the Latin avia.
- In some traditional households, children may address their abuela using the formal usted instead of the informal tú as a sign of profound respect.
Examples in context
- Quiero a mi abuela.I want my grandma.This sentence is useful for expressing affection for your abuela.Tatoeba #9505266 by Shishir, translation #10006669 by DJ_Saidez
- Mi abuela tiene 75 años.My grandma is 75 years old.This sentence is useful for stating the age of your abuela.Tatoeba #4124438 by ecorralest101, translation #4122775 by dan1ruusianspanish
- Mi abuela me quería mucho.My grandma loved me a lot.This sentence is useful for describing how much your abuela loved you.Tatoeba #2134487 by Shishir, translation #10501974 by tchrspet1
- Esta es mi abuela, RosaThis is my grandma, Rosa
- Voy a ir a la casa de abue este fin de semanaI'm going to grandma's house this weekend
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about family in a cafe.
- María¿Cómo está tu abuela?How is your grandma?
- JavierMi abuela está muy bien, gracias.My grandma is doing very well, thank you.
- MaríaQué bueno que ella esté bien.It is good that she is well.
- JavierSí, ella es una mujer muy fuerte.Yes, she is a very strong woman.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandma” translations and entries abuela, abuelita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abuela, abuelita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
