me gusta tu madre
/me ɡusta tu madɾe/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I like your mom" is expressed as me gusta tu madre.
This phrase is used to express a positive feeling or attraction toward someone's mother. However, be aware that in many Spanish-speaking cultures, expressing attraction to someone's mother can be perceived as highly offensive or disrespectful rather than a simple compliment.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase me gusta tu madre is literally structured as "to me is pleasing your mother".
Which one should you use?
Using mamá instead of madre is more common in informal, affectionate or colloquial contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you wish to express a high level of respect, you can use the formal expression Tengo un gran aprecio por su madre, which means "I have great respect for your mother".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Me gusta tu madre is used to express liking someone's mother. In Mexico, you may hear the colloquial expression Me agrada tu jefa to express fondness for someone's mom.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ɡusta tu madɾe/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the term jefa, which literally means 'boss', is often used as a colloquial and affectionate term for one's mother.
- The Spanish word madre is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'matron', both descending from the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- While 'mother' is a common noun, using the word madre in a phrase of attraction can sound unexpectedly cold or even clinical compared to the more affectionate mamá.
Examples in context
- Es verdad que me gusta tu madre.It is true that I like your mother.
- No puedo ocultar que me gusta tu madre.I cannot hide that I like your mother.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about Mateo's family.
- MaríaOye Mateo, me gusta tu madre.Hey Mateo, I like your mother.
- Mateo¿En serio, María?Really, María?
- MaríaSí, es una mujer muy amable.Yes, she is a very kind woman.
- MateoGracias, me alegra mucho oír eso.Thanks, I am very happy to hear that.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries madre, me, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
