Hello and how are you
Use usted with grandparents (why), and whatever name the family uses: abuelita, abuelito, wela.
When the connection acts up
Easy things to talk about
Show, don't just tell. Grandparents love seeing the dog, the food, the house, and the two of you together.
Saying goodbye
Tips for a call they'll love
- Hold the phone still and close, in good light. Grandparents want to see your face.
- Speak slowly and a little louder than feels natural.
- Prepare three phrases before the call: a greeting, one question, and a goodbye. That's enough.
- Let them talk. Smile, nod, and use a rescue phrase when you're lost. They'll love that you tried.
Video call coming up?
Get the 10 rescue phrases and a checklist for the call.
- All 10 rescue phrases as a PDF, with pronunciation
- A week-by-week checklist for your date
Want these phrases built around their family?
Familia Ready turns their real names, their food, and your story into a short Spanish countdown timed to the day you see them. 10–15 minutes a day, made for beginners.
Start my countdown for $39 See a real plan firstQuestions
How do I greet my partner's grandma on a video call?
¡Hola, abuelita! ¿Cómo está? (Hi, grandma! How are you?), using usted, the respectful form.
How do you say 'can you hear me' in Spanish?
¿Me escucha? in the respectful usted form, or ¿Me escuchas? with someone your age.
What should we talk about?
Show them things: your pet, your home, the food you cooked. Ask how the weather is where they live. Simple questions work best.
What does wela mean?
A very affectionate, informal way to say abuela (grandma), common in Puerto Rico and among many Latino families.