maman
/ma.mɑ̃/
The English phrase "mom" is translated into French as maman.
maman is the most commonly used informal term for mom.
Which one should you use?
While maman is the equivalent of "mom" or "mommy", the term mère is a more formal term equivalent to "mother".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
maman is an affectionate, informal term used by children or adults when speaking to or about their mothers in a familiar context. For a more formal and generic term for mother, use mère. Additionally, maman chérie is an affectionate term meaning "darling mom".
How do you pronounce it?
/ma.mɑ̃/
Did you know?
- The word maman is considered 'nursery language', meaning it is a term specifically born from the natural sounds infants make. This makes it a universal sound-pattern found in many unrelated languages.
- In French, maman can be used as a noun to describe a woman's role regardless of whether she is the biological mother, such as in the phrase une maman poule to describe an overprotective parent.
- French has a specific term mamie for grandmother, which is a linguistic derivative of maman reflecting the repetitive baby talk structure.
Examples in context
- Où est maman ?Where is mom?This sentence is useful for asking where maman is.Tatoeba #1498406 by Rovo, translation #687630 by lukaszpp
- Ta maman est là.Your mom is here.This sentence is useful for stating that your maman is present.Tatoeba #4578597 by sacredceltic, translation #3434400 by CK
- Où est ma maman ?Where's my mom?Tatoeba #3627909 by fleur74, translation #2254645 by CK
- Maman, je t'aime tellement!Mom, I love you so much!
- Maman chérie, tu es la meilleure du monde.Darling mom, you are the best in the world.
- Madame Dupont, comment va votre mère?Mrs. Dupont, how is your mother?
- Mère, je vous présente mon fiancé.Mother, let me introduce you to my fiancé.
- 169 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Lea are talking in the kitchen.
- HugoEst-ce que maman arrive bientôt ?Is mom arriving soon?
- LéaOui, elle est presque là.Yes, she is almost here.
- HugoJe veux lui montrer mon dessin.I want to show her my drawing.
- LéaMaman va être très contente.Mom will be very happy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry maman, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
