Inklingo

abue

ah-bweh/ˈa.βwe/

abue means grandma or grandpa in Spanish (affectionate nickname).

grandma or grandpa

Also: gramps, granny
Nounm or fA1informal
General Latin AmericaMexico
A kind-faced elderly person smiling warmly while holding a child's hand.

📝 In Action

¡Hola, abue! Te traemos un regalo.

A1

Hi, grandma/grandpa! We brought you a gift.

Mi abue siempre me cuenta historias de cuando era joven.

A2

My grandma/grandpa always tells me stories from when they were young.

Le preguntaré a mi abue si quiere venir a cenar el domingo.

B1

I'll ask my grandma/grandpa if they want to come to dinner on Sunday.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • abuelo (grandfather)
  • abuela (grandmother)
  • abuelito (grandpa (very sweet))
  • yayo (grandpa (common in Spain))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • querida abuedear grandma/grandpa
  • mi abue consentidormy spoiling grandpa

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "abue" in Spanish:

grampsgranny

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: abue

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'the grandma' using the word 'abue'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
tenuecontinúe
📚 Etymology

A shortened form of the Spanish words 'abuelo' or 'abuela,' which come from the Vulgar Latin 'aviolus,' a diminute form of 'avus' (grandfather).

First recorded: Modern era (colloquial shortening)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: avôItalian: avo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'abue' only for children?

No! People of all ages use 'abue' to refer to their grandparents, though it sounds very affectionate and close.

Does 'abue' have a plural form?

Yes, you can say 'los abues' to refer to both of your grandparents at once.

Is 'abue' used in Spain?

While used in Spain, 'yayo' or 'yaya' are also very common informal alternatives there. 'Abue' is understood everywhere.