mamá
/maˈma/
The Spanish word mamá means "mom".
mamá is a word used to address or refer to one's mother. It can be used informally.
Which one should you use?
mamá is the affectionate term used to address one's mother, whereas madre is the more formal and biologically-focused term for "mother".
Is it said differently in some regions?
madrecita is an affectionate and respectful way to address one's own mother, particularly common in Mexico. In Argentina, the informal term vieja is sometimes used to refer to one's mother.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /maˈma/.
Did you know?
- While mamá is the standard term, some regions use mamita not just for a mother, but as a flirtatious or affectionate term for a romantic partner or a beautiful woman.
- In certain Latin American countries, if a person says ¡Ay, mamá!, they are not necessarily calling for their mother, but are instead using a common exclamation to express surprise or shock.
- In Spanish, the word mamá is distinct from mama, which refers to the breast or the act of nursing.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, mami! ¿Cómo estás?Hello, mom! How are you?
- Ven aquí, mamitaCome here, mommy
- Permíteme ayudarte, madrecitaLet me help you, dear mother
- Mami, ¿me puedes ayudar con esta tarea?Mom, can you help me with this homework?
- Mamá, tengo mucha hambre.Mom, I am very hungry.
- Mi mamá es una doctora.My mom is a doctor.
- ¿Dónde está mi mamá?Where is my mom?
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking in the living room.
- LucíaMateo, ¿has visto a mamá?Mateo, have you seen mom?
- MateoSí, mamá está en el jardín.Yes, mom is in the garden.
- LucíaGracias, iré a hablar con ella.Thanks, I will go talk to her.
- MateoDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mamá, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
