こんにちは、ママ
konnichiwa, mama
The phrase "hi, mama" in Japanese is こんにちは、ママ (konnichiwa, mama).
This phrase is a casual greeting used when speaking to one's mother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term ママ is an informal, loanword-based way to address one's mother, typically used by young children or in very casual family settings.
How do you pronounce it?
konnichiwa, mama
Did you know?
- In Japan, the word ママ is also used to refer to the female owners or managers of small bars and snack lounges.
- Using こんにちは (konnichiwa) with a family member can actually sound strangely formal or even distant, as families often use more instinctive, less 'textbook' greetings.
- Japanese has many words for 'mother' that change depending on whether you are talking to her or talking about her to a stranger.
Examples in context
- おかあさん、元気？(Okaasan, genki?)Hi, Mama, how are you?
Example conversation
Ren enters the living room and sees his mother.
- 蓮 Renこんにちは、ママ！Konnichiwa, mama!Hi, mama!
- 結衣 Yuiおかえり、蓮。Okaeri, Ren.Welcome home, Ren.
- 蓮 Ren今日はおやつある？Kyou wa oyatsu aru?Do we have snacks today?
- 結衣 Yuiあるよ。台所に見てみて。Aru yo. Daidokoro ni mite mite.Yes, we do. Take a look in the kitchen.
