te quiero mamá
/te kjeɾo mama/from spelling rules
The English phrase "love you mama" is translated into Spanish as te quiero mamá.
This phrase is an expression of affection used to tell one's mother that you love her.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of te (you), quiero (I want/love) and mamá (mama).
Which one should you use?
While te quiero mamá is the standard way to express affection to a mother, te amo mamá is a more intense, deeply emotional version of the same sentiment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, te quiero is preferred over te amo for expressing love.
How does it change in a sentence?
In written Spanish, a comma should be placed before mamá when it is used as a direct address (vocative).
How do you pronounce it?
/te kjeɾo mama/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to use mamá or even the diminutive mamita as a term of endearment for people who are not your mother, such as a very close female friend or even a partner.
- The word mamá in Spanish was adapted from the French word maman rather than evolving directly from Latin.
- While te quiero is used for mothers, the verb querer also means 'to want', which can create humorous ambiguity in other contexts.
Examples in context
- Te quiero mamá, gracias por todo.Love you mama, thanks for everything.
- Te quiero mamá, que tengas un buen día.Love you mama, have a good day.
- Eres la mejor, te quiero mamá.You are the best, love you mama.
Example conversation
Alejandro is saying goodbye to his mother before leaving for work.
- AlejandroYa me voy, te quiero mamá.I'm leaving now, love you mama.
- ElenaAdiós, hijo, que te vaya bien.Goodbye, son, I hope everything goes well for you.
- AlejandroGracias, nos vemos luego.Thanks, see you later.
- ElenaCuídate mucho, te quiero.Take care, I love you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mamá, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
