abuelo
/aˈbwelo/
The Spanish word for grandpa is abuelo. Wiktionary also lists abuelito and yayo.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| abuelo | /aˈbwelo/ /aˈwelo/ (dialectal) |
| abuelito | /abweˈlito/ |
| yayo | /ˈʝaʝo/ |
The word is used to refer to a grandfather. While it serves as the standard term, it is often used as the direct equivalent of the informal English 'grandpa'.
Which one should you use?
abuelo is the standard term for grandfather. abuelito is a diminutive form used to express affection. yayo is a colloquial alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
abuelo is the standard term. abuelito is an informal and endearing way to say grandpa. yayo is also an informal, colloquial term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
yayo is a colloquial term used in some Spanish-speaking regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form for grandma is abuela. To refer to a group of grandfathers or a mixed-gender group of grandparents, use the plural form abuelos.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbwelo/
Did you know?
- Some linguists suggest that the affectionate term yayo might even be a Spanish version of the Greek word γιαγιά, which means 'grandmother'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the role of the abuelo is historically central to the household, often acting as the primary storyteller and keeper of family lineage.
- The word abuelo descends from the Latin avus, which is a distant relative of the English word 'avuncular', meaning reminiscent of an uncle.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde vive tu abuelo?Where does your grandpa live?This sentence shows how to ask about the residence of your abuelo.Tatoeba #987339 by Shishir, translation #394891 by Dorenda
- ¿Cuántos años tiene tu abuelo?How old is your grandpa?This sentence shows how to ask about the age of your abuelo.Tatoeba #1147871 by Shishir, translation #5101964 by Airvian
- Mi padre no es tan rico como mi abuelo.My dad isn't as rich as my grandpa.This sentence compares wealth between a father and an abuelo.Tatoeba #9736899 by Shishir, translation #9736989 by DJ_Saidez
- Mi abuelo es un hombre sabio y cariñoso.My grandfather is a wise and loving man.
- Abuelito, ¿me puedes contar otra vez esa historia tan interesante?Grandpa, can you tell me that interesting story again?
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about family members in a park.
- JavierLucía, ¿cómo está tu abuelo?Lucía, how is your grandpa?
- LucíaMi abuelo está muy bien, gracias.My grandpa is doing very well, thanks.
- JavierQué bueno que el abuelo esté sano.It is good that your grandpa is healthy.
- LucíaSí, Javier, él es muy fuerte.Yes, Javier, he is very strong.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandpa” translations and entries abuelo, abuelito, yayo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abuelito, abuelo, yayo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
