10+ Ways to Say Grandma in Spanish: Direct Translation + Nicknames!

Download Article

Learn how to pronounce & spell "grandmother" in Spanish

Co-authored by Language Academia and Sophie Burkholder, BA

Last Updated: December 1, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

"Grandma" in Spanish

|

Nicknames for "Grandma"

|

Can you say "vieja" for "grandma"?

|

More Spanish Family Vocab

|

Video

In Spanish, the word "grandma" translates to "abuela" or the more affectionate "abuelita." But did you know that there are tons of cute slang nicknames for Spanish-speaking grandmothers? Just like how English has various pet names for a grandmother—from "gran" to "nana"—the same is true in Spanish. We're here to show you all the words for talking about your granny, along with their pronunciations, in this comprehensive guide on how to say "grandma" in Spanish.

Spanish for "Grandma" (Quick Translation)

The Spanish word for grandma or grandmother is "abuela," which is pronounced as "ahb-WAY-lah." Many Spanish speakers also call their grandmothers "abuelita" (ahb-way-LEE-tah), which is a more affectionate term—similar to "grandma" or "granny" in English.

Section 1 of 4:

How do you say "grandma" in Spanish?

Download Article

The Spanish word for "grandma" is "abuela" (ahb-WAY-lah). This is the standard Spanish translation of "grandmother," so it's completely appropriate to use in any context. When in doubt, say "abuela"! For example, let's say you wanted to ask someone, "How is your grandma?" You would translate that as "¿Cómo está tu abuela?" (KOH-moh ess-TAH too ahb-WAY-lah).^{[1]
X
Research source}
- What about "abuelita"? "Abuelita" (ahb-way-LEE-tah) is a diminutive of "abuela," meaning that it's a more affectionate form of the word. While both "abuela" and "abuelita" can be used in informal contexts, adding "-ita" to "abuela" results in a cozier term, similar to the English "grandma" or "granny." In a nutshell, both words mean grandma!^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- What's the difference between "abuelo" and "abuela"? "Abuelo" means grandfather while "abuela" means grandmother.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
  - In Spanish, the suffix "-o" generally applies to masculine words or nouns, while the suffix "-a" generally applies to feminine words or nouns.^{[4]
    X
    Research source}

Section 2 of 4:

Spanish Nicknames for "Grandma"

Download Article

1
Abu (AH-boo) In Latin America, this is an alternative short-form version of "abuela." Just like "abue," "abu" can refer to either a grandfather or a grandmother. Using this word conveys affection and care, and can really show how close you are to your grandmother.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- For example: "Mi abu tiene 90 años." (mee AH-boo tee-EN-eh no-VEN-ta AHN-yos) → "My gran is 90 years old."
2
Abue (ah-boo-EY) This short-form version of "abuela" can be translated as "gran." Keep in mind that "abue" can be used as a nickname for "grandma" AND "grandpa," so it can be a little confusing if you have both a grandfather and grandmother in the same room.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- For example: "¿Dónde está Abue?" (DOHN-day ess-TAH ah-boo-EY) → "Where's gran?"
3
Agüe (AH-way) Little kids often use this word to say "grandma," and some of them keep using it all of their lives! Since small children can have a hard time pronouncing the "b" sound in "abuela," they often use this word instead. But if you're an adult who wants to refer to your grandma in an extra cute way, you can try out this word as well.
- You can also use this word in its diminutive form for extra affection, as in "agüelita" (ah-wey-LEE-ta).
- For example: "Nos vemos pronto, Agüe." (nos BAY-mohs PROHN-toh AH-way): "See you soon, gran-gran."
4
Lita (LEE-tah) This shortened form of "abuelita" translates to "gran." It's a bit less common than some of these other variations on "abuela," but like them, it can be used to show affection and endearment.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- For example: "¿Qué pasa, Lita?" (kay PAHS-ah LEE-tah) → "What's going on, gran?"
5
Mamá (mah-MAH) While "mamá" usually means "mom" or "mother" in Spanish, you can use it to refer to your grandma by putting her first name after it. For instance, if your grandma's name is Rosa, you could say "Mamá Rosa." This is a very affectionate version of "grandma," as it implies your grandmother is as close to you as your mom.
- For example: "Mamá Carmela vive en Caracas" (mah-MAH kar-MEHL-ah VEE-vey en kar-AH-kas) → "Mama Carmela lives in Caracas."
6
Tita (TEE-tah) While "tita" isn't as common as some of the other grandma nicknames on this list, it's used in some Spanish-speaking countries as an affectionate alternative for grandmother. However, "tita" can't be used in Spain, since "tita" is a slang word for "aunt" in the country's dialect.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- For example: "Tita, te trajimos estas flores" (TEE-tah, tey trah-HEE-mohs ESS-tahs FLOH-rays) – "Tita, we brought you these flowers."
7
Wela (WAY-lah) When Spanish speakers are talking to their grandmother, they might drop the first part of the word "abuela," resulting in this quick and informal way of saying "grandmother" in Spanish. You can think of "wela" as similar to the English word "gramma."^{[9]
X
Research source}
- This word can also be made into a diminutive to show even more affection, as in "welita" (way-LEE-tah).
- For example: "¡Ven aquí, Wela!" (ben ah-KEY WAY-lah) → "Come here, gramma!"
8
Yaya (YAH-yah) This is a common nickname for a grandma, like the English "nana." If you're looking for an alternative to "abuela" and its many variants, try this word out. It's really affectionate and can demonstrate your closeness to your grandmother.
- For example: "Mi yaya prácticamente me crió." (mee YAH-yah PRAHK-tee-kah-MEHN-tay may kree-OH) → "My nana practically raised me."

Section 3 of 4:

Can you say "vieja" for "grandma" in Spanish?

Download Article

You can use "vieja" in some contexts, but some people may find it rude. "Vieja" doesn't mean "grandmother" in Spanish—rather, it means "old lady" or "old woman."^{[10]
X
Research source} While some people might colloquially call their grandmother "vieja" (bee-EY-ha) in a lighthearted context, some people would find it to be rude or even offensive language. It's best to stick with "abuela," unless someone has given you explicit permission to call a woman "vieja."

Section 4 of 4:

More Family Vocabulary in Spanish

Download Article

Don't stop with abuela—why not learn the whole family tree in Spanish?? Below, you'll find more vocabulary words to describe members of your family (and extended family) in español:^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Mother = "mamá" (mah-MAH) or "madre" (MAH-drey)
- Father = "papá" (pah-PAH) or "padre" (PAH-drey)
- Sister = "hermana" (ehr-MAH-nah)
- Brother = "hermano" (ehr-MAH-noh)
- Uncle = "tío" (TEE-oh)
- Aunt = "tía" (TEE-ah)
- Cousin = "primo" (PREE-moh) or "prima" (PREE-mah)
- Granddaughter = "nieta" (nee-EH-tah)
- Grandson = "nieto" (nee-EH-toh)