Los quiero, abuela y abuelo
The English phrase "I love you, grandma and grandpa" is translated into Spanish as Los quiero, abuela y abuelo.
This phrase is an expression of affection used when speaking to one's grandmother and grandfather. You can use the endearing nicknames Abuelita for Grandma and Abuelito for Grandpa to make the expression more affectionate.
What does it mean word for word?
Los quiero translates to "I love you (plural)". The word los is a direct object pronoun meaning "them" or "you (plural/masculine)", and quiero is the first-person singular form of the verb querer, which means "to want" or "to love".
Which one should you use?
If you were speaking to only one person, you would use te quiero, but since you are addressing both your grandmother and grandfather, you must use the plural form Los quiero. For a stronger, more profound expression of love, you can use Los amo, abuela y abuelo instead of Los quiero, abuela y abuelo.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the word los functions as the object pronoun that represents both the grandmother and the grandfather.
Did you know?
- While Los quiero is the standard plural, in Spain, people might use Os quiero to address their grandparents, as os is the specific pronoun for 'you all' in an informal setting.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word abuelo functions more like a title of respect for any elderly man rather than just a biological relationship.
- The word abuela stems from the Late Latin aviola, which is a diminutive of avia, the Latin word for grandmother. This shows that the concept of using 'small' versions of words to show affection is centuries old.
Examples in context
- Los quiero mucho, Abuela y Abuelo. Sus consejos y su amor significan el mundo para mí.I love you very much, Grandma and Grandpa. Your advice and love mean the world to me.
- Los amo, Abuelita y Abuelito. Gracias por siempre estar ahí para mí y llenar mi vida de amor y alegría.I love you, Grandma and Grandpa. Thank you for always being there for me and filling my life with love and joy.
Example conversation
Lucía is hugging her grandparents before leaving.
- LucíaLos quiero, abuela y abuelo.I love you, grandma and grandpa.
- DanielNosotros también te queremos, Lucía.We love you too, Lucía.
- LucíaNos vemos muy pronto.I will see you very soon.
- DanielTen un buen viaje, hija.Have a good trip, daughter.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abuela, abuelo, los, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
