How to Say “Grandmother” in Spanish

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abuela
/aˈbwela/feminine
The Spanish word for grandmother is abuela.
Abuela is a feminine noun used to refer to the mother of someone's parent. Depending on the context and desired level of affection, other forms may be used. For example, abuelita is a common, affectionate diminutive meaning 'grandma' or 'granny'. In some informal settings, one might use viejita to affectionately mean 'little old lady' or yaya, an informal term used by children in some Latin American countries.
Meaning: mother of someone's parent (noun)

Which one should you use?

Abuela is a feminine term specifically for a grandmother, whereas abuelo refers to a grandfather.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

While abuela is the standard term, abuelita is used to convey extra affection. Other terms like viejita and yaya are informal. In Mexico, you may encounter the more colloquial abuelota or the shortened abue.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Mexico, the terms abuelota (meaning 'big grandma') and abue (meaning 'granny') are used more commonly.

How does it change in a sentence?

The feminine singular form is abuela. To refer to a group of grandmothers, use the feminine plural abuelas. If you are referring to a group of grandparents (both grandmothers and grandfathers), use the masculine plural form abuelos.

How do you pronounce it?

/aˈbwela/

When do people say it?

Spanish speakers often use diminutive forms like abuelita to express warmth and closeness to a grandmother.

Did you know?

  • The word abuela is derived from the Late Latin aviola, which was already a diminutive form of the Latin word avia for grandmother.
  • While abuelita is primarily an affectionate term, it can be used as a polite way to address an elderly woman who is not actually the speaker's grandmother.
  • In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the abuela is traditionally the matriarch of the extended family and holds significant authority over domestic decisions and child-rearing.

Examples in context

  • Mi abuela me crio.
    I was brought up by my grandmother.
    This sentence shows how to use abuela to describe being raised by a grandmother.
    Tatoeba #1088498 by Shishir, translation #259157 by CK
  • Esta es mi abuela.
    This is my grandmother.
    This sentence uses abuela to introduce a grandmother.
    Tatoeba #1744492 by Shishir, translation #1744424 by Djef_Messaoudi
  • Mary es mi abuela.
    Mary is my grandmother.
    This sentence uses abuela to identify who Mary is.
    Tatoeba #8005632 by Seael, translation #6645848 by CK
  • ¿Cómo está, abuela?
    How are you, grandmother?
  • Le agradezco por todo lo que hace, abuela.
    I thank you for everything you do, grandmother.
  • ¡Te quiero mucho, yaya!
    I love you so much, yaya!
  • Mi abuela es muy cariñosa conmigo.
    My grandmother is very affectionate towards me.
  • ¡Hola abuelita! ¿Cómo estás hoy?
    Hello granny! How are you today?
  • Voy a visitar a la viejita el fin de semana.
    I'm going to visit granny this weekend.
  • 152 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Mateo and María are talking about their families at school.

  1. Mateo

    María, ¿cómo está tu abuela?
    María, how is your grandmother?
  2. María

    Ella está muy bien, gracias.
    She is doing very well, thanks.
  3. Mateo

    Qué bueno, mi abuela también está bien.
    That's good, my grandmother is also doing well.
  4. María

    Me alegro mucho por tu abuela.
    I am very happy for your grandmother.

Sources

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Nancy Marlene
Nancy MarleneHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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