ママ、こんにちは
mama, konnichiwa
The English phrase "hi mommy" is translated into Japanese as ママ、こんにちは (mama, konnichiwa).
This phrase is a casual greeting used by a child to say hello to their mother.
How do you pronounce it?
mama, konnichiwa
Did you know?
- The term ママ is sometimes used by adults in a way that has nothing to do with motherhood, such as in the context of 'Mama-san' in certain Japanese nightlife districts to refer to a female manager.
- The greeting こんにちは is actually a contraction of a much longer, formal phrase meaning 'Is it that you are well?', which is why it feels quite 'complete' even in a casual setting.
- The word ママ is a loanword from English, but it has been fully integrated into the Japanese phonetic system and is used by Japanese children as a natural part of their vocabulary.
Examples in context
- おはようございます、お母さんGood morning, Mom.
- こんにちは、お母さんHello, Mom.
- こんばんは、お母さんGood evening, Mom.
- おっはよー、おかんHi, Mom!
Example conversation
Kenta comes home from preschool and sees his mother.
- 健太 Kentaママ、こんにちは！Mama, konnichiwa!Hi mommy!
- 陽葵 Himariこんにちは、健太。おかえりなさい。Konnichiwa, Kenta. Okaerinasai.Hello, Kenta. Welcome home.
- 健太 Kenta今日ね、たくさん遊んだよ！Kyou ne, takusan asonda yo!I played a lot today!
- 陽葵 Himariそれはよかったね。Sore wa yokatta ne.That's great.
