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abuelos

ah-BWEH-lohsaˈβwelos

“abuelos” means “grandparents” in Spanish (A group consisting of a grandfather and a grandmother, or multiple grandfathers and grandmothers.).

grandparents

Also: grandfathers
NounmA1
SpainMexico
An elderly man and an elderly woman standing together, smiling warmly.

📝 In Action

Mis abuelos viven en una casa cerca del mar.

A1

My grandparents live in a house near the sea.

Tengo cuatro abuelos: dos por parte de mi madre y dos por parte de mi padre.

A1

I have four grandparents: two on my mother's side and two on my father's side.

Mis dos abuelos fueron carpinteros.

A2

Both of my grandfathers were carpenters.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • yayos (grandies / grandmas and grandpas (informal))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • abuelos paternos – paternal grandparents
  • abuelos maternos – maternal grandparents
  • día de los abuelos – Grandparents' Day

Idioms & Expressions

  • No tener abuela – To be full of oneself or to praise oneself too much (literally, to have no grandmother to do the praising for you)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "abuelos" in Spanish:

grandfathers→grandparents→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: abuelos

Question 1 of 2

If you are talking about one grandmother and one grandfather together, which word should you use?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
sueloscielospañuelosvuelos
📚 Etymology▼

From the Vulgar Latin word 'aviolus', which was a cute, diminished version of 'avus', the Latin word for grandfather.

First recorded: 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: avósItalian: nonni

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'abuelos' always mean exactly two people?

Not necessarily! It can mean your two grandparents, but it can also refer to your entire set of four grandparents or multiple grandfathers.

Can I use 'abuelos' for old people who aren't my relatives?

While it is sometimes used informally or affectionately, it can be considered slightly disrespectful in some regions. Words like 'ancianos' or 'personas mayores' are more polite for strangers.