QUICK ANSWER
"Abuela" is a noun which is often translated as "grandmother", and "abuelo" is a noun which is often translated as "grandfather". Learn more about the difference between "abuela" and "abuelo" below.
la abuela(
ah
-
bweh
-
lah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (relative)
b. grandma (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
La abuela nos recoge del cole.Grandma picks us up from school.
c. granny (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Quiero mucho a mi abuela.I really love my granny.
el abuelo(
ah
-
bweh
-
loh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (relative)
a. grandfather
Mi abuelo materno es el hombre más sabio que conozco.My maternal grandfather is the wisest man I know.
b. granddad (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Tenemos que ir a visitar al abuelo.We have to go visit granddad.
2. (colloquial) (geezer)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. old man (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Vamos abuelo, que todavía no es hora de dormir.Come on old man, it isn't time for bed yet.
los abuelos
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
3. (relatives)
a. grandparents
Mis abuelos viven en un pueblito en Italia.My grandparents live in a little town in Italy.