ママ、大好きだよ
mama, daisuki da yo
The English phrase "I love you, mama" is translated into Japanese as ママ、大好きだよ (mama, daisuki da yo).
This phrase is an expression of deep affection used to tell one's mother that you love her.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 大好き (daisuki) literally means "big like" and is the standard way to express "love" in a personal, affectionate context.
Which one should you use?
While daisuki is used for everyday affection, the term 愛してる (aishiteru) is much heavier, more dramatic and less commonly used in casual conversation with family.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using mama is childlike or highly casual. For a more mature or standard sound, you can use お母さん (okaasan). In very formal contexts, one might use the respectful term 母上 (Haha-ue) combined with the formal expression 愛しています (ai shiteimasu).
How do you pronounce it?
mama, daisuki da yo
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, showing affection through words is often secondary to 'amae', a concept of behaving with a sense of dependency or sweetness toward a loved one like a mother.
- If a person uses the term 母上 (haha-ue) in a modern setting, they would sound like a character from a samurai-era period drama.
- While 大好き (daisuki) is used for people, it is also the primary word used to describe a favorite food or hobby. You can use the same word to tell your mother you love her and to tell a waiter you love their sushi.
Examples in context
- いつもありがとう。ママ、大好きだよ。Itsumo arigatou. Mama, daisuki da yo.Thanks for everything. I love you, mama.
- 本当だよ、ママ、大好きだよ。Hontou da yo, mama, daisuki da yo.I really mean it, I love you, mama.
Example conversation
A child is hugging his mother before going to bed.
- 健太 Kentaママ、大好きだよ。Mama, daisuki da yo.I love you, mama.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、健太。私も大好きだよ。Arigatou, Kenta. Watashi mo daisuki da yo.Thank you, Kenta. I love you too.
- 健太 Kentaおやすみなさい、ママ。Oyasumi nasai, mama.Good night, mama.
- 結衣 Yuiおやすみ、健太。Oyasumi, Kenta.Good night, Kenta.
