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"El" is a form of "el", a definite article which is often translated as "the". "Abuelo" is a noun which is often translated as "grandfather". Learn more about the difference between "el" and "abuelo" below.
el()
A definite article is a word that identifies a noun as specific or known to the speaker (e.g., the girl).
el abuelo()
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (relative)
a. grandfather
Mi abuelo riega las flores cada mañana.My grandfather waters the flowers every morning.
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.