querida mamá
/keɾida mama/from spelling rules
querida mamá is the Spanish way to say "dear mom".
This phrase is an affectionate greeting used at the beginning of a letter or card written to one's mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The word querida comes from the verb querer (to want or to love) and literally means "loved" or "dear".
How do you pronounce it?
/keɾida mama/
Did you know?
- The word mamá is actually a relatively modern adaptation from the French word maman, rather than being a purely indigenous or ancient Spanish term.
- While mamá is the standard affectionate term, in some Spanish-speaking regions it is common to use mami even for adult children, which carries a more childlike or intensely pampered connotation than the English 'mommy'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling your mother querida in person might actually sound slightly distant or overly dramatic, as if you were reading from a script.
Examples in context
- Querida mamá, te damos las gracias por todo. ¡Eres la mejor! ¿Qué haríamos sin ti?Dear Mom, thanks for everything. You're the best! What'd we do without you?This sentence is useful for seeing how to use querida mamá in a warm, appreciative greeting.Tatoeba #9435695 by Shishir, translation #10465422 by DJ_Saidez
- Querida mamá, espero que estés muy bien.Dear mom, I hope you are doing very well.
- Escribí una nota que dice: Querida mamá, te quiero mucho.I wrote a note that says: Dear mom, I love you very much.
Example conversation
Daniel is showing Sofía a card he wrote for their mother.
- DanielMira, escribí: Querida mamá, feliz cumpleaños.Look, I wrote: Dear mom, happy birthday.
- Sofía¡Qué lindo! A ella le encantará, Daniel.How sweet! She will love it, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Crees que debería añadir algo más?Do you think I should add something else?
- SofíaNo, así está perfecto.No, it is perfect as it is.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mamá, querida, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
