pregúntale a tu mamá
/pɾeɡuntale a tu mama/from spelling rules
To say "ask your mom" in Spanish, use pregúntale a tu mamá.
This phrase is used when giving a request or instruction for someone to seek information or permission from their mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The form pregúntale consists of the imperative verb pregunta and the indirect object pronoun le, which refers to the mother.
Which one should you use?
Use pregúntele a su mamá if you are speaking to someone formally using usted. Use Pregunta a tu mamá, Pregunta a tu madre or Pregunta a tu mami for informal situations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear the colloquial phrase Pregunta a tu jefa, where jefa is used to mean "mom".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, when using an indirect object pronoun like le, it is common and often required to also include the actual noun phrase a tu mamá for clarity.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾeɡuntale a tu mama/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the diminutive mami not just for children, but as a romantic term of endearment for a partner in some Caribbean regions.
- In Mexico, calling a mother jefa literally translates to 'boss'. This reflects a cultural view of the mother as the central authority and manager of the household.
- The word mamá is a relatively modern addition to the Spanish language. It was adapted from the French word maman rather than evolving directly from ancient Latin roots.
Examples in context
- Pregunta a tu madre. Ella sabrá lo mejor para ti.Ask your mom. She will know what's best for you.
- Pregunta a tu mamá primero.Ask your mom first.
- Si quieres ir al cine, pregúntale a tu mamá.If you want to go to the movies, ask your mom.
- Si no sabes la hora, pregúntale a tu mamá.If you don't know the time, ask your mom.
- Pregúntale a tu mamá si podemos ir al cine.Ask your mom if we can go to the movies.
- No me lo preguntes a mí, pregúntale a tu mamá.Don't ask me, ask your mom.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing whether they can go to a party.
- Daniel¿Podemos ir a la fiesta esta noche?Can we go to the party tonight?
- LucíaNo lo sé, pregúntale a tu mamá.I don't know, ask your mom.
- DanielEstá bien, voy a llamarla ahora.Okay, I am going to call her now.
- LucíaEs mejor si le pides permiso.It is better if you ask her for permission.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, mamá, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
