mamá
/maˈma/feminine
The English phrase 'ma' is translated into Spanish as mamá.
mamá is a colloquial way to say mother.
Meaning: colloquial form of mother (noun)
Which one should you use?
While mamá is the standard colloquial term for mother, ma is an even more abbreviated, affectionate or casual shorthand often used in direct address.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈma/
Did you know?
- In some Caribbean dialects, mamá can be used as a general term of endearment for a romantic partner or a close female friend.
- The diminutive form mamita is frequently used not just for children, but as a flirtatious or affectionate term for women in various Latin American countries.
- The word mamá actually entered the Spanish language through the influence of the French word 'maman'.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué diría mamá si supiera que te juntas con gente tan vulgar!What would Ma say if she knew you associated with such common people!This sentence demonstrates the use of mamá when discussing a mother's potential reaction.Tatoeba #13148618 by frpzzd, translation #5681750 by Hybrid
- Disculpe, señora ¿podría ayudarme?Excuse me, ma'am, could you help me?
- Mamá me llamó por teléfono.Mom called me on the phone.
- Tengo que comprar un regalo para mamá.I have to buy a gift for mom.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking in the kitchen about their family.
- Daniel¿Has hablado con mamá hoy?Have you spoken to mom today?
- MaríaSí, mamá dice que está muy bien.Yes, mom says she is doing very well.
- DanielQué bueno que mamá esté contenta.It's good that mom is happy.
- MaríaElla siempre se alegra de escucharte.She is always happy to hear from you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ma” translations and entries 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.
