abuela
“abuela” means “grandmother” in Spanish (The mother of one's parent.).
grandmother
Also: grandma, granny
📝 In Action
Mi abuela vive en México.
A1My grandmother lives in Mexico.
¿Vamos a visitar a la abuela este fin de semana?
A1Are we going to visit grandma this weekend?
La abuela de mi amigo es de Argentina y cocina muy bien.
A2My friend's grandmother is from Argentina and cooks very well.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: abuela
Question 1 of 1
If you want to say 'I'm going to my grandma's house,' which sentence is correct?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
It comes from 'aviola' in everyday Latin, which was a sweet, affectionate version of the formal Latin word 'avia' (grandmother). The '-uela' ending in Spanish often makes a word feel smaller or more endearing.
First recorded: Around the 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'abuela' and 'abuelita'?
'Abuela' is the standard word for 'grandmother'. 'Abuelita' is a more affectionate, informal version, like saying 'grandma' or 'granny'. You'll hear 'abuelita' very often in family settings and it shows warmth.
How do you say 'grandparents'?
You say 'los abuelos'. In Spanish, when you have a mixed-gender group (a grandfather and a grandmother), you use the masculine plural form to refer to them as a pair.