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abuela

abuela

1 8.0
A polite name people use for an older woman who is not family
  • noun
  • /əˈbweɪlə/
translation icon : abuela
  • They're just like your abuela.

Examples

  • -These fools lying, abuela.

  • She's not really my abuela

  • Like when you were sitting on the couch, they were like Abuela was there, like she was you.

  • And the pharmacist says Abuela, that will only get you a week's worth.

  • My abuela always tells me stories about her childhood in Spain.

  • I love spending time with my abuela; she makes the best tamales.

  • During holidays, we gather to celebrate with all our abuela's delicious cooking.

Synonyms

mother
vsabuela
388 1.0

An older woman people call to show respect

is a respectful address used without implying any family relationship
Dona
vsabuela
14 7.7

A word placed before a woman's first name in Spain to show respect, like Mrs

is a familiar respectful form used without formal title placement
Senora
vsabuela
12 5.0

A title used to address a married woman in Spanish

is used broadly for older women regardless of marital or family ties
didi
vsabuela
  • Indian
1 9.7

A respectful name for an older sister or older woman

is used broadly for older women regardless of kinship or region

How Respectful

m'lady
  • Archaic
13 9.9
abuela
1 8.0
Senora
12 5.0
lady
1.0
woman
1.0

Surface Forms

abuela singular
abuelas plural

Etymology

Abuela comes from the Latin word avia, meaning 'grandmother', but in Spanish people also use it as a respectful way to call an older woman who is not family. So calling someone abuela gives them the warm role of a family elder.