While abuela is the most common and standard translation for “grandma” in Spanish, there are also several other options, from heartfelt ways to express affection and closeness to slang words and regional variations.
This guide will explore these various terms, helping you choose the perfect word for your grandma in Spanish. As you learn Spanish, it’s important to expand your vocabulary beyond basic words and include important terms like “grandma.”
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How do you say ‘grandma’ in Spanish?
Words for family members like “grandma” and “sister” in Spanish are important Spanish words for beginners to learn, but as you discuss family with native speakers, you’ll undoubtedly hear a few different words for these special people.
Abuela
Abuela is the standard translation of “grandmother” or “grandma,” and is often used with possessive adjectives in Spanish to specify whose grandmother is being referred to. For example:
- La niña y su abuela están en el comedor. = The girl and her grandma are in the dining room.
- Esta es mi abuela. = This is my grandmother.
Abuelita
For a more endearing tone, you can add the Spanish suffix “-ita” transforming abuela into abuelita. Adding the “-ito” or “-ita” suffix to Spanish nouns like abuela can help soften a word, making it sound more warm and friendly. Here’s how it looks in context:
- Vivo con mi abuelita. = I live with my grandma.
- Te amo, abuelita. = I love you, Grandma.
What is Spanish slang for ‘grandma’?
If sweet treats and warm hugs come to mind when you think of your grandma, you may want to opt for Spanish slang or colloquial terms to convey closeness and endearment.
Nana
Just like the English word nana, nana in Spanish is a colloquial term used to refer to one’s grandma. Here’s how it’s used in context:
- Mi nana me enseñó a cocinar. = My nana taught me how to cook.
- Te extraño, nana. = I miss you, Grandma.
Tita
In Mexico and Panama, tita can be used to refer to someone’s grandma in Spanish. However, in Spain, it means “auntie,” so keep that in mind to avoid confusion.
- Tita, ¿me enseñas a preparar patacones? = Gran, can you teach me how to make patacones?
- Voy a visitar a mi tita en Playa del Carmen. = I’m going to visit my granny in Playa del Carmen.
Abue
Abue is a common, affectionate term for “grandma.” You’ll notice it is a shortening of the word abuela (and abuelo).
- ¿Dónde está abue? = Where is Grandma?
- Abue, ¿quieres un café? = Grandma, do you want a coffee?
Abu
Similar to abue, abu is another common term of endearment for abuela (and abuelo), shortening the Spanish word for “grandma” even further.
- Mi abu me contó un cuento. = My grandma told me a story.
- Hola, abu, ¿cómo estás? = Hi, Gran, how are you?
How do you use vieja as a colloquial term for ‘grandma’ in Spanish?
While vieja literally translates to “old woman” or “old lady,” it can be used for “grandma” (with caution) in a lighthearted, comical sense, even if the literal translation sounds unkind.
- ¡Apúrate, vieja! Vamos a llegar tarde. = Hurry up, grandma! We’re going to be late.
- Ay, vieja, ¿otra vez con la misma historia? = Oh, Grandma, the same story again?
What’s the difference between abuelo and abuela?
The difference between abuelo and abuela in Spanish is simply their gender. El abuelo is the masculine version of abuela, meaning “grandpa” or “grandfather.”
If you’re familiar with gender rules in Spanish, you may already understand the common pattern in Spanish where nouns ending in “-o” are typically masculine, and those ending in “-a” are typically feminine, especially when referring to people. Here are some examples to compare:
- El abuelo le está contando a su nieto sobre su granja. = The grandfather is telling the boy about his farm.
- La abuela recibió la carta.= The grandmother received the letter.
Spanish family vocabulary related to abuela
Besides abuelo and abuela, there are several other important family terms related to grandparents you should know, like “granddaughter” and “great-grandma” in Spanish.
| Spanish | English |
| el nieto | the grandson |
| la nieta | the granddaughter |
| los nietos | the grandchildren (mixed group or only grandsons) |
| las nietas | the grandchildren (only granddaughters) |
| el bisabuelo | the great-grandfather |
| la bisabuela | the great-grandmother |
| los bisabuelos | the great-grandparents (mixed group or only great-grandfathers) |
The following examples demonstrate how to talk about these family members in Spanish:
- Este granjero español le muestra a su nieto como manejar un tractor. = This Spanish farmer is showing his grandson how to drive a tractor.
- Ella mira viejas fotos con su nieta. = She is looking at old photographs with her granddaughter.
- Ellos son mis nietos. = These are my grandchildren.
- Mi bisabuelo tiene 90 años. = My great-grandfather is 90 years old.
- Su bisabuela cocina muy bien. = His great-grandmother cooks very well.
- Todos mis bisabuelos eran de España. = All my great-grandparents were from Spain.
By learning Spanish with Rosetta Stone, you can explore the nuances of seemingly basic words like “grandma” and “cousin” in Spanish, improving your fluency and confidence in real-world conversations. Its immersive approach, combined with real-time feedback and cultural insights, will help you connect more authentically with native speakers.
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