abuela
/aˈbwela/
The English phrase "grandma" is translated into Spanish as abuela. Wiktionary also lists abuelita.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| abuela | /aˈbwela/ /aˈwela/ (dialectal) |
| abuelita | /abweˈlita/ |
If you wish to refer to both a grandmother and a grandfather together, you should use the masculine plural form abuelos.
Which one should you use?
While abuela is the standard word for grandmother, abuelita is a more affectionate and informal way to say "grandma" or "granny".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, abuelita is used as an informal way to say grandma.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a group of grandparents (both grandmother and grandfather), use the masculine plural form abuelos.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbwela/
Did you know?
- In certain parts of Spain, you might hear the word yaya used instead of abuela as an informal term for grandma.
- In many Spanish-speaking households, children use the diminutive abuelita not just for their own grandmother, but as a respectful and affectionate way to address any elderly woman.
- The word abuela is a direct descendant of the Latin word avia, which referred to the grandmother.
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
- Señora, ¿puede decirle a la abuela que ya llegué?Ma'am, can you please tell Grandma that I've arrived?
- ¡Hola, abuelita! ¿Cómo estás?Hi, Grandma! How are you?
- Abu, ¿me cuentas una historia antes de dormir?Gran, can you tell me a story before bedtime?
- Abuelita, ¡eres la más hermosota de todas!Granny, you're the most beautiful of all!
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about a family visit.
- Alejandro¿Vas a visitar a tu abuela hoy?Are you going to visit your grandma today?
- MaríaSí, quiero llevarle un regalo a mi abuela.Yes, I want to take a gift to my grandma.
- AlejandroTu abuela estará muy feliz de verte.Your grandma will be very happy to see you.
- MaríaEs verdad, ella siempre me espera con alegría.It's true, she always waits for me with joy.
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.
