Which one should you use?
While the verb extrañar is the most common way to express missing someone in Latin America, in Spain, it is more frequent to use echar de menos a mi mamá.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word mamá is the standard term, but you can change the level of formality by changing the noun for mother. Extraño a mi madre uses madre, which is a more formal or clinical term. For a more affectionate or informal tone, especially among children or as a term of endearment, you can use the diminutive mami in the phrase extraño a mi mami.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, Te extraño, mamá is commonly used instead of extraño a mi mamá.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word extraño is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb extrañar. In this sentence, the preposition a is required before mi mamá because she is a specific person and the direct object of the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡstɾaɲo a mi mama/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying extraño mi mamá. English speakers often forget the required personal a. You must include it to say extraño a mi mamá correctly.
Did you know?
- The word extraño is a cognate of the English word 'strange', both sharing roots with the Latin word for 'outside' or 'foreign'.
- Beyond missing a person, the verb extrañar is used to express surprise or disbelief, effectively meaning 'I find it strange that'.
- In Spanish, the word extraño can be used as an adjective meaning 'strange' or as a verb meaning 'to miss'.
Examples in context
- Yo extraño a mi mamá.I miss my mom.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase extraño a mi mamá.Tatoeba #4612847 by Francisco_M, translation #2158897 by Hybrid
- Extraño a mi mamá mucho.I miss my mom a lot.
- A veces extraño a mi mamá.Sometimes I miss my mom.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking on the phone about their families.
- JavierHoy extraño a mi mamá.Today I miss my mom.
- MaríaLo siento, Javier, es normal.I'm sorry, Javier, it is normal.
- JavierSí, quiero llamarla pronto.Yes, I want to call her soon.
- MaríaEso te hará sentir mejor.That will make you feel better.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, extraño, mamá, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
