hola mamá
/ola mama/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hi mam" is translated into Spanish as hola mamá.
hola mamá is an informal greeting used when addressing one's mother or someone close to you.
Which one should you use?
Be careful with the accent on the final syllable. The word mamá (with an accent) means "mom", whereas mama (without an accent) refers to the "breast" or "mammary gland".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you may use Doña instead of Señora to show even greater respect.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, mamá is a noun used as a vocative to address one's mother directly.
Did you know?
- The greeting hola is thought by some to be related to the Germanic verb 'holon', which was used specifically to hail ferrymen.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, mamá is used affectionately to refer to a grandmother or a maternal figure who is not the biological mother.
- In several Latin American countries, children may call their mother mami as a diminutive of mamá to express extra tenderness or to ask for a favor.
Examples in context
- Hola, Señora García. ¿Cómo está usted hoy?Hello, Mrs. García. How are you today?
- Hola Mamá, ¿cómo estás hoy?Hi Mom, how are you today?
- ¡Hola, mamá! ¿Cómo estás?Hi, mom! How are you?
- Hola mamá, ¿cómo estás?Hi mom, how are you?
- ¡Hola mamá! Te traje flores.Hi mom! I brought you flowers.
- Hola mamá, ya llegué a casa.Hi mom, I'm home now.
Example conversation
Daniel walks into the kitchen to greet his mother.
- DanielHola mamá, ¿qué hay de comer?Hi mom, what is there to eat?
- LucíaHola Daniel, estoy preparando la cena.Hi Daniel, I am preparing dinner.
- DanielHuele muy bien, gracias.It smells very good, thanks.
- LucíaDe nada, ve a lavarte las manos.You're welcome, go wash your hands.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hola, mamá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
