abuela
/aˈbwela/
The Spanish word for grandma is abuela. Wiktionary also lists abuelita.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| abuela | /aˈbwela/ /aˈwela/ (dialectal) |
| abuelita | /abweˈlita/ |
It is the most common way to say grandma in Peruvian Spanish.
Which one should you use?
While abuela is the standard word for grandmother, abuelita is a more affectionate and diminutive form used to say 'granny' or 'little grandma'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to both your grandmother and grandfather together (grandparents), use the masculine plural form abuelos.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbwela/
Did you know?
- The word abuela is inherited from the Late Latin word aviola, which was itself a diminutive of avia.
- In many Spanish speaking cultures, the abuela is the matriarchal authority of the family and often makes the final decisions regarding tradition and childcare.
- In some regions, abuela can be used as a gentle or teasing way to describe someone who is acting old-fashioned or overly cautious.
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 a past feeling of love toward your abuela.Tatoeba #2134487 by Shishir, translation #10501974 by tchrspet1
- Mi abuela es muy cariñosaMy grandma is very affectionate
- Mi yaya cocina los mejores dulcesMy grandma cooks the best sweets
- Vamos a casa de la abuelita a almorzarLet's go to grandma's house for lunch
- ¡Feliz cumpleaños, abuela! Espero que tengas un día maravillosoHappy birthday, grandma! I hope you have a wonderful day
- Gracias por cuidar de mí, yaya. Te quiero muchoThank you for taking care of me, grandma. I love you so much
- La abuelita siempre tiene los mejores consejosGrandma always has the best advice
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about family plans at a cafe.
- MaríaJavier, ¿vas a ver a tu abuela hoy?Javier, are you going to see your grandma today?
- JavierNo, hoy voy a visitar a la abuela de María.No, today I am going to visit Maria's grandma.
- María¡Qué amable eres con ella!How kind you are to her!
- JavierEs una abuela muy especial.She is a very special 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.
