こんにちはお母さん
konnichiwa okāsan
The English phrase "hello mum" is translated into Japanese as こんにちはお母さん (konnichiwa okāsan).
This phrase is a greeting used when speaking to one's mother. Depending on the time of day, you might replace the greeting portion. Additionally, Kaa-chan is a common nickname used for mother.
Which one should you use?
The word ママ (mama) is a more casual, child-like way to say "mum" compared to お母さん.
How do you pronounce it?
konnichiwa okāsan
Did you know?
- The word 母 ('haha') is a pictograph that originally depicted a woman with breasts, emphasizing the biological role of motherhood.
- In adult Japanese households, children often stop saying こんにちは to their mothers and instead use ただいま ('I'm home') when returning, to which the mother replies おかえり ('Welcome back').
- The word 母 (haha) is the formal way to refer to one's own mother when speaking to outsiders, but it is almost never used as a direct address like 'hello mum'.
Example conversation
Hiyori comes home from school and finds her mother in the kitchen.
- 陽葵 Himariこんにちはお母さん！Konnichiwa okaasan!Hello mum!
- 陽太 Yotaおかえり、陽葵。Okaeri, Hiyori.Welcome home, Hiyori.
- 陽葵 Himari今日はおやつある？Kyou wa oyatsu aru?Is there a snack today?
- 陽太 Yotaあるよ。台所にきて。Aru yo. Daidokoro ni kite.Yes, there is. Come to the kitchen.
