How to Talk to Your Abuela in Spanish (Phrases and Tips)

For many people, the real reason to learn Spanish is a person: la abuela. Being able to call her, listen to her stories and answer in Spanish means more than any grade. Here's how to do it.

Greetings and openers

• ¡Hola, abuela! ¿Cómo estás?
• ¡Abue! Soy yo, Daniela.
• ¿Cómo has estado? — How have you been?
• Te extraño mucho. — I miss you a lot.
• ¿Cómo amaneciste? — How did you wake up? (warm, common in Mexico and Central America)

Questions grandmothers love

• ¿Cómo está tu salud? — How's your health?
• ¿Qué cocinaste hoy? — What did you cook today?
• ¿Cómo era tu vida cuando eras joven? — What was your life like when you were young?
• ¿Cómo conociste al abuelo? — How did you meet Grandpa?
• ¿Me enseñas tu receta de…? — Will you teach me your recipe for…?
• ¿Qué hacías de niña? — What did you do as a girl?

Asking about her past means you'll hear the imperfect tense a lot. That's great listening practice.

Telling her about your life

• Esta semana trabajé mucho. — I worked a lot this week.
• Estoy aprendiendo español para hablar contigo. — I'm learning Spanish to talk with you.
• Fui a ver a mis primos. — I went to see my cousins.
• Estoy un poco cansada, pero bien. — I'm a little tired, but good.

Answers you'll hear (and how to respond)

• ¿Ya comiste? — Have you eaten? → Sí, abuela, ya comí.
• ¡Estás muy flaca/o! — You're so thin! → Ay, abuela, estoy bien.
• ¿Cuándo vienes? — When are you coming? → Pronto, abuela. En diciembre.
• Dios te bendiga. — God bless you. → Amén. Igualmente, abuela.

Ending the call

• Te quiero mucho, abuela.
• Cuídate mucho.
• Saludos al abuelo / a mis tías.
• Te llamo el domingo. — I'll call you on Sunday.

See I love you in Spanish.

Tips for the nerves

• She doesn't need perfect Spanish. She needs you.
• Prepare two or three questions before calling.
• Use simple sentences. Estoy bien. Trabajé mucho. Te extraño.
• If you're stuck, ask: ¿Cómo se dice…? She'll love teaching you.
• Practice the call first in a safe place.

Practice the call with Lolo

Lolo has a "Call with abuela" situation: you talk about your week, answer her questions and practice warm, everyday family Spanish, as many times as you need before calling the real one. See Spanish phone call phrases and the heritage speaker guide.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use tú or usted with my grandmother?

It depends on the family. Many use tú; some families, especially older generations, use usted with grandparents. Follow your family's habit.

What if I don't understand what she says?

Ask her kindly: ¿Me lo repites más despacio, abuela?

What should I talk about with my abuela?

Food, health, family news, her childhood and your week are perfect topics.