bisabuela
/bisabwela/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'great grandma' is translated into Spanish as bisabuela.
The term bisabuela is used to refer to your grandmother's mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix bi- (meaning twice or double) and abuela (meaning grandmother).
Which one should you use?
While bisabuela refers to your grandmother's mother, the term tatarabuela is used to refer to your grandmother's grandmother.
How do you pronounce it?
/bisabwela/
Did you know?
- The word 'abuela' itself is often used as a term of endearment for any elderly woman in a community, regardless of actual biological relation.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, children may address a bisabuela simply as abuela to avoid highlighting her age.
- While bisabuela is the formal term, many children use the diminutive bisabuelita to add a layer of warmth and sweetness to the name.
Examples in context
- Mis bisabuelas son mujeres admirables.My great grandmothers are admirable women.
- Mi bisabuela era muy cariñosa.My great grandma was very affectionate.
- La bisabuela de Juan vive en Madrid.Juan's great grandma lives in Madrid.
- Le traje flores a mi bisabuela.I brought flowers to my great grandma.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are looking at an old family photo album.
- Alejandro¿Quién es la mujer de la foto?Who is the woman in the photo?
- MaríaEs mi bisabuela.It is my great grandma.
- AlejandroSe ve muy elegante en esa imagen.She looks very elegant in that picture.
- MaríaSí, era una mujer muy distinguida.Yes, she was a very distinguished woman.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
