abuela
/aˈbwela/feminine
The English phrase grandmother is abuela in Spanish.
abuela is a noun used to refer to the mother of someone's parent.
Meaning: mother of someone's parent (noun)
Which one should you use?
While abuela is the standard term, the diminutive form abuelita is used as an affectionate way to say 'grandma' or 'granny'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form of the word is abuelo. When referring to a group of grandparents, including both a grandmother and a grandfather or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural form abuelos.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbwela/
Did you know?
- The word abuela is inherited from the Late Latin aviola, which was already a diminutive form of the Latin word avia.
- In some Latin American countries, the term 'abuelita' is so common that it is frequently used as a term of endearment for any elderly woman, even if she is not a relative.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, an 'abuela' is often treated as the undisputed matriarch and ultimate authority in the household.
Examples in context
- Mi abuela me crio.I was brought up by my grandmother.This sentence is useful for showing how to talk about being brought up by an abuela.Tatoeba #1088498 by Shishir, translation #259157 by CK
- Esta es mi abuela.This is my grandmother.This sentence is useful for introducing your abuela.Tatoeba #1744492 by Shishir, translation #1744424 by Djef_Messaoudi
- Mary es mi abuela.Mary is my grandmother.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as your abuela.Tatoeba #8005632 by Seael, translation #6645848 by CK
- 152 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are talking about family during a break.
- Lucía¿Cómo está tu abuela, Alejandro?How is your grandmother, Alejandro?
- AlejandroMi abuela está muy bien, gracias.My grandmother is doing very well, thanks.
- LucíaMe alegra mucho oír eso.I am very happy to hear that.
- AlejandroElla te manda saludos, Lucía.She sends you greetings, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandmother” translations and entries abuela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abuela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
