ママ、大好き
mama, daisuki
The English phrase "I love you, mommy" is translated into Japanese as ママ、大好き (mama, daisuki).
This phrase is used as an expression of affection by a child to tell their mother that they love her.
Which one should you use?
While the word 愛してる (aishiteru) also means "I love you," it is much more intense and heavy. For a child expressing affection, daisuki is the more natural choice.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term ママ (mama) is an informal and affectionate way for young children to address their mothers, whereas okaasan is more standard or polite. To express love respectfully, one might use Okā-san, daisuki desu. as a formal way to say "Mother, I love you."
How does it change in a sentence?
You can add the sentence-ending particle da yo to daisuki to create ママ、大好きだよ, which makes the expression sound warmer and more conversational.
How do you pronounce it?
mama, daisuki
Did you know?
- Because Japanese culture often prioritizes reading the atmosphere, a child saying 'I love you' is often unnecessary because their actions are expected to show it.
- Japanese often omits the word 'I' and 'you' entirely, which is why ママ、大好き contains no pronouns for the speaker or the recipient.
- In Japanese, the word 'daisuki' literally translates to 'big like' rather than 'love'.
Examples in context
- ママ、大好き！Mama, daisuki!I love you, mommy!
- いつも、ママ、大好きだよ。Itsumo, mama, daisuki da yo.I love you always, mommy.
- 本当に、ママ、大好き。Hontou ni, mama, daisuki.I really love you, mommy.
Example conversation
Yuta gives a handmade card to his mother.
- 陽太 Yotaママ、大好き！これプレゼントだよ。Mama, daisuki! Kore purezento dayo.I love you, Mommy! This is a present for you.
- 結衣 Yuiまあ、嬉しいわ。ありがとう、陽太。Maa, ureshii wa. Arigatou, Youta.Oh, I'm so happy. Thank you, Youta.
- 陽太 Yotaえへへ、ママ、大好き！Ehehe, Mama, daisuki!Hehe, I love you, Mommy!
- 結衣 Yuiママも陽太が大好きよ。Mama mo Youta ga daisuki yo.Mommy loves Youta too.
