abuela
everyday, Mexico
A grandmother is an abuela in Mexican Spanish. Speakers often use the loving abuelita in daily talk. It is also called Bisabuela.
Meaning: mother of a parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| abuela | everyday, Mexico |
| Abuelita | affectionate |
| Bisabuela | great grandmother |
Use mi abuela in introductions and writing. In speech, abuelita is more usual among family and friends.
Which one should you use?
Maternal and paternal sides are marked with abuela materna and abuela paterna when needed.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the singular abuela is feminine. The plural abuelas refers to more than one grandmother, and abuelos can include both.
Did you know?
- The extended family in Mexico is close, and it is common for a grandmother to live in the same house as her children and grandchildren.
Examples in context
- Mi abuela materna vive en Puebla.My maternal grandmother lives in Puebla.
- Visito a mi abuela los domingos.I visit my grandmother on Sundays.
- Mi bisabuela cumplió noventa años.My great grandmother turned ninety.
Example conversation
Student Ana tells her teacher Mr. Ruiz about her family in Puebla.
- AnaMaestro, mi abuela vive con nosotros.Teacher, my grandmother lives with us.
- Sr. Ruiz¿Y cómo se llama tu abuela?And what is your grandmother called?
- AnaSe llama Rosario, pero le decimos abuelita.Her name is Rosario, but we call her abuelita.
