abuela
standard
In Puerto Rico a grandmother is abuela, and many families use the affectionate abuelita or the shortened wela.
Meaning: mother of a parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| abuela | standard |
| abuelita | affectionate |
| wela | casual, Puerto Rico |
Abuela is the neutral word. Abuelita is tender and used mostly by children. Wela is a casual form that reflects how abuela sounds in relaxed speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
A grandfather is abuelo and, in the same casual style, welo.
Did you know?
- The spelling wela shows how many Puerto Ricans pronounce abuela, with a soft w sound.
Examples in context
- Mi abuela hace el mejor arroz con gandules.My grandma makes the best rice with pigeon peas.
- Wela, ¿puedo ayudarte?Grandma, can I help you?
Example conversation
Sofía helps her grandmother Wela in the kitchen.
- SofíaWela, ¿qué estás cocinando?Grandma, what are you cooking?
- WelaPasteles, mi cielo. Ven y ayúdame.Pasteles, my darling. Come and help me.
- SofíaClaro, abuelita.Of course, Grandma.
