Greetings! If you’re looking to learn how to say “call mom” in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to express this phrase. We’ll also touch upon any regional variations that might exist. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Call Mom” in Japanese
In formal situations, it’s important to use polite language to show respect. Here are a few ways you can say “call mom” formally in Japanese:
- “Okaasan ni denwa wo kakeru” (お母さんに電話をかける)
This phrase translates to “I will call mom” and is appropriate for polite conversations. It uses the honorific prefix “o” before “kaasan” (mother) and the verb “denwa wo kakeru” (to make a phone call). Remember to pronounce “o-kaasan” with a long vowel sound for politeness. - “Sumimasen, okaasan ni o-denwa wo shitaidesu” (すみません、お母さんにお電話をしたいです)
This more formal phrase means “Excuse me, I would like to call mom.” It uses the honorific prefix “o” before both “kaasan” (mother) and “denwa” (phone call) to convey a higher level of politeness.
Informal Ways to Say “Call Mom” in Japanese
In casual or informal settings, you can use less formal language to express the same meaning. Here are a couple of informal ways to say “call mom” in Japanese:
- “Okaasan ni denwa suru” (お母さんに電話する)
This phrase translates to “I will call mom” and is suitable for casual conversations among friends or family members. It drops the honorific prefix, making it less formal. - “Okaasan ni denwa shiteiku” (お母さんに電話していく)
This informal phrase means “I will call mom” and conveys the intention to make a phone call specifically using the verb “shiteiku” (to go and do). It is commonly used among young people or when speaking casually with peers.
Regional Variations
Japanese is spoken throughout various regions, each with its own unique dialects and variations. While there isn’t a specific regional variation for saying “call mom,” there might be slight pronunciation differences depending on the region you are in. However, the phrases mentioned above are widely used and understood across Japan, regardless of the region.
Tips and Examples
To help you further, here are some additional tips and examples:
If you want to make the phrase more specific, you can substitute “okaasan” (mom) with your own mother’s name. For example, “Akiko-san ni denwa wo kakeru” (あきこさんに電話をかける) means “I will call Akiko (a woman’s name).” This adds a personal touch to the conversation.
Additionally, it’s essential to remember that Japanese sentence structure follows a similar pattern to English. The subject comes before the verb. So, in the examples provided, the verb “to call” (denwa wo kakeru) comes after the specific person you are addressing.
Lastly, be mindful of your tone and the situation. It’s always better to err on the side of politeness, especially when communicating with people you are not familiar with or those who are older than you. Using the formal expressions mentioned earlier will help you convey respect and maintain a positive atmosphere.
To summarize, whether you are in a formal or informal setting, you can now confidently say “call mom” in Japanese using the phrases provided. Remember to adjust your level of politeness based on the context and your relationship with the person you are speaking to. Enjoy practicing your new language skills!
