abuela
/aˈbwela/
In Spanish, the English phrase "grandma" is translated 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. While abuela is the standard word, many affectionate variations exist.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Abuela is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. For a more affectionate and informal tone, you can use abuelita, abu or yaya. If you need to address a grandmother formally, you can use Señora followed by her given name.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Guatemala, abuelita is a common and endearing informal term for grandma and some Guatemalan families also use the affectionate nickname yaya.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form abuelitos is frequently used to refer to both a grandmother and a grandfather together (grandparents).
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbwela/
Did you know?
- The word abuela comes from the Late Latin word aviola, which was already a diminutive form of the Latin avia.
- In certain Latin American cultures, calling a much older woman abuelita is a sign of respect and affection even if you are not biologically related to her.
- In some dialects, calling a woman abuela when she is not your grandmother can be perceived as an insult to her age if the relationship is not established.
Examples in context
- Quiero a mi abuela.I want my grandma.This sentence shows how to express 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 expresses how much your abuela loved you.Tatoeba #2134487 by Shishir, translation #10501974 by tchrspet1
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are talking about a family visit.
- Alejandro¿Cuándo vas a visitar a tu abuela?When are you going to visit your grandma?
- SofíaVoy a ver a mi abuela el domingo.I am going to see my grandma on Sunday.
- AlejandroQué bien, salúdala de mi parte.That's great, say hello to her for me.
- SofíaClaro, se lo diré a mi abuela.Of course, I will tell my grandma.
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.
