mamá
/maˈma/
The English phrase "mom" is translated into Spanish as mamá.
mamá is an affectionate term used to refer to a mother.
Which one should you use?
While mamá is the affectionate term for "mom", the word madre is the formal term for "mother".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In countries such as Mexico or Colombia, mamita is an affectionate term used to refer to one's mother.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make mamá plural, add -s to get mamás.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈma/
Did you know?
- Because mamá ends in a stressed vowel, it requires a written accent mark to distinguish it from the word mama, which means 'breast'.
- The phrase madre mía is often used as an exclamation of surprise or shock, similar to saying 'my goodness' or 'my gosh' in English.
- The word mamá was adapted into Spanish from the French word maman.
Examples in context
- Quiero a mi mamá.I love my mom.This sentence shows how to express affection for your mamá.Tatoeba #651402 by Shishir, translation #2011109 by Shishir
- Mi mamá me cocina.My mom cooks for me.This sentence is useful for describing how your mamá cooks for you.Tatoeba #2139151 by hayastan, translation #9364454 by Nylez
- ¿Qué dijo tu mamá?What did your mom say?This sentence is useful for asking about something a mamá said.Tatoeba #6673570 by UsuarioX, translation #3573387 by Hybrid
- Mi madre está aquíMy mother is here
- Mi mamá está aquíMy mom is here
- Te quiero, mamitaI love you, mommy
- Hola, mamitaHello, mom
- 185 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking at a cafe.
- Elena¿Dónde está tu mamá, Daniel?Where is your mom, Daniel?
- DanielMi mamá está en el trabajo.My mom is at work.
- ElenaEntiendo, la mía también está trabajando.I understand, mine is also working.
- DanielSí, mi mamá siempre trabaja mucho.Yes, my mom always works a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mamá, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mamá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
