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abuelo
/aˈβwelo/
grandfather
Mi abuelo me enseñó a pescar cuando era niño.
My grandfather taught me to fish when I was a child.
neutral
The father of one's parent.
El abuelo de María vive en el pueblo.
María's grandfather lives in the village.
Can also refer to a grandfather-like figure, such as an elderly man respected in the community.
neutral
A term of respect for an elderly man.
El abuelo del barrio siempre ayuda a los niños.
The old man of the neighborhood always helps the children.
Commonly used in Latin American Spanish to address or refer to older men.
Collocations
abuelo maternomaternal grandfatherabuelo paternopaternal grandfather
Pro Tip
Gender Agreement
The feminine form is 'abuela' (grandmother). The plural is 'abuelos' (grandfathers) or 'abuelos y abuelas' (grandparents).
Gold Rule
Plural Forms
Use 'abuelos' to refer to multiple grandfathers or a mixed group of grandparents. Use 'abuelas' for multiple grandmothers.
Word Origin
From Latin 'avus' (grandfather), via Old Spanish 'aviuelo', later 'abuelo'.
Usage Notes
In Spain, 'abuelo' is typically used for one's own grandfather, while in Latin America it can also be used as a respectful term for any elderly man.
Word Breakdown
a-
augmentative or affectionate prefix
prefix-uelo
diminutive suffix
suffixDiccionario Español-Inglés