10+ Ways to Say Grandma in Spanish

Plus, Spanish language instructor Alejandra Alfonzo shares nicknames for grandmothers

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 talked to Spanish language instructor Alejandra Alfonzo to help us share 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)

"Abuela" (ahb-WAY-lah) is the Spanish word for "grandmother." According to Spanish language instructor Alejandra Alfonzo, "abue" is a common nickname for grandmothers. Many Spanish speakers also call their grandmothers "abuelita," which is a more affectionate term—similar to "grandma" or "granny" in English.

Section 1 of 4:

How do you say "grandma" in Spanish?

  1. 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]
    • 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]
    • What's the difference between "abuelo" and "abuela"? "Abuelo" means grandfather while "abuela" means grandmother.[3]
      • In Spanish, the suffix "-o" generally applies to masculine words or nouns, while the suffix "-a" generally applies to feminine words or nouns.[4]

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Alejandra Alfonzo is a language instructor who teaches both English and Spanish. She runs her own language tutoring business, Spanish Con Ale, and offers both private and group classes.

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Section 2 of 4:

Spanish Nicknames for "Grandma"

  1. Step 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]
    • 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. Step 2 Abue (ah-boo-EY)
    Alfonzo says that “abue” is a common way to shorten “abuela.”[6] It’s similar to saying “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.[7]
    • For example: "¿Dónde está Abue?" (DOHN-day ess-TAH ah-boo-EY) → "Where's gran?"
  3. Step 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. Step 4 Lita (LEE-tah)
    Alfonzo says that “lita” is a shortened form of "abuelita."[8] It 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.[9]
    • For example: "¿Qué pasa, Lita?" (kay PAHS-ah LEE-tah) → "What's going on, gran?"
  5. Step 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. Step 6 Nonna
    Alfonzo says, “In some Spanish-speaking countries, many families have Italian great-grandparents.” As a result, she says that some people use the Italian name nickname “Nonna” for “grandmother.”[10]
    • For example: “Nos vemos el sábado, Nonna” (nos VEH-mohs el SAH-bah-doh NOH-nah) → “See you Saturday, Nonna!”
  7. Step 7 Tata (tah-tah)
    Alfonzo says that “Tata” is a common regional name for “grandmother” that’s used in various countries. Depending on the region, it can also be used to refer to someone’s grandfather, father, or caregiver.[11]
    • For example: “Te amo, Tata!” (tay AH-moh TAH-tah) → “I love you, Tata!”
  8. Step 8 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.[12]
    • For example: "Tita, te trajimos estas flores" (TEE-tah, tey trah-HEE-mohs ESS-tahs FLOH-rays) – "Tita, we brought you these flowers."
  9. Step 9 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."[13]
    • 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!"
  10. Step 10 Yaya (YAH-yah)
    This is a common nickname for a grandma, like the English "nana." Alfonzo says that it’s especially common in Spain and parts of Latin America.[14] 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."
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Section 3 of 4:

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

  1. 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."[15] 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

  1. 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:[16]
    • 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)
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References

  1. ↑ https://blog.ilp.org/learn-some-basic-spanish-before-going-abroad
  2. ↑ https://busyteacher.org/25512-ways-to-say-mother-and-grandmother-in-different.html
  3. ↑ https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/what-do-you-call-grandma
  4. ↑ https://www.escuela-hablamos.com/es/spanish-masculine-and-feminine-a-guide/
  5. ↑ https://www.thebump.com/a/grandmother-names
  6. ↑ Alejandra Alfonzo. Spanish Language Instructor. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.thebump.com/a/grandmother-names
  8. ↑ Alejandra Alfonzo. Spanish Language Instructor. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.parents.com/parenting/dynamics/grandparents/25-grandmother-name-ideas-we-love/
  1. ↑ Alejandra Alfonzo. Spanish Language Instructor. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Alejandra Alfonzo. Spanish Language Instructor. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.thebump.com/a/grandmother-names
  4. ↑ https://www.thebump.com/a/grandmother-names
  5. ↑ Alejandra Alfonzo. Spanish Language Instructor. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/the-meaning-of/spanish-word-vieja.html
  7. ↑ https://www.uaeh.edu.mx/docencia/VI_Lectura/bachillerato/documentos/2014/LECT117.pdf

About This Article

Alejandra Alfonzo
Co-authored by:
Alejandra Alfonzo
Spanish Language Instructor
This article was co-authored by Alejandra Alfonzo and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. Alejandra Alfonzo is a Language Instructor based in Roseland, New Jersey. She runs her own language tutoring business, Spanish Con Ale. She teaches both English and Spanish, offering online private and group classes tailored to meet her clients' personal and professional goals while making the learning experience fun. Alejandra has been a language teacher since 2011 and is committed to exploring the challenges and rewards that come with learning a new language with her students. Spanish Con Ale offers personalized learning sessions, private lesson packages, and Cafecito Con Ale, a language exchange membership where members have the opportunity to meet and socialize with others while improving their language skills. Alejandra is a certified spanish teacher, holds a Education Master's in teaching English as a Foreign Language from University of Carabobo, and received a BA in Modern Languages from Arturo Michelena University and a certificate in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language. This article has been viewed 83,741 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: January 30, 2026
Views: 83,741
Categories: Pronouncing Spanish
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