How to Say "Mama" in French - How To Say Guide

maman

/ma.mɑ̃/

The English word mama is translated into French as maman.

maman is an informal and affectionate term used to address or refer to one's mother. It is commonly used by both children and adults.

Which one should you use?

While maman is the affectionate term for mama, mère is the standard, more formal or neutral word for mother.

maman is an informal, affectionate term. In contrast, mère is used in more formal or descriptive contexts.

maman is a feminine noun and is typically used with feminine possessive adjectives such as ma (my) or ta (your).

/ma.mɑ̃/

In various French-speaking Caribbean cultures, the word maman can be used more broadly to refer to any older woman or a maternal figure, not just a biological mother.
If you want to refer to your mother in a more sophisticated, slightly old-fashioned way, you might use the term ma génitrice, though this is often used jokingly or clinically.
While maman is affectionate, calling your mother ma mère in a casual setting can sound cold, distant or even clinical to a native speaker.

Où est ma maman ?
Where's my mama?
This sentence is useful for asking about the location of one's maman.
Tatoeba #3627909 by fleur74, translation #2254644 by CK
J'appelle toujours ma mère « Maman ».
I still call my mother Mama.
This sentence shows how one might use maman as a name for their mother.
Tatoeba #10694867 by Micsmithel, translation #6531302 by CK
Maman semble avoir commencé le français.
Mama seems to have started with French.
This sentence uses maman as the subject of the sentence.
Tatoeba #6404841 by emer1ca, translation #6404589 by tinowls
Ma petite maman
My little mama
Ma chère maman
My dear mama
Tu es la lumière de ma vie, maman
You are the light of my life, mama
Je t'aime plus que tout, maman
I love you more than anything, mama
4 more sentences on Tatoeba

Léa and Lucas are in the kitchen.

Sources

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