μαμά
mamá[maˈma]
The Greek word for "mama" is μαμά (mamá).
μαμά is an informal word used by children or adults to address or refer to their mother. To add warmth when speaking to or about one's mother, speakers often add the possessive pronoun μου to create the phrase μαμά μου (my mama).
Which one should you use?
While μαμά is the most prevalent informal way to say mama, the word μητέρα is used when a more formal and distant tone is required.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
μαμά is the common, affectionate and informal term. In contrast, μητέρα is the formal word for "mother".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain areas and specific dialects or regional accents, you may encounter the informal terms μάνα or μάννα to refer to a mother.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the word in the genitive case to show possession (such as "of mama" or "mama's"), it becomes της μαμάς.
How do you pronounce it?
mamá
Did you know?
- The ancient ancestor of μαμά, which was μάμμη, actually carried the meaning of 'grandmother' as well as 'mother'.
- The term μαμά is often paired with the diminutive suffix -ούλα to create μαμάλουλα, an even more affectionate way to address a mother.
- In Greek culture, calling your mother μαμά μου is common even for elderly adults, reflecting a lifelong emotional bond.
Examples in context
- Μαμά, πεινάω πολύ.Mama, peinao poli.Mama, I am very hungry.
- Ρώτησα τη μαμά μου.Rotisa ti mama mou.I asked my mama.
- Η μαμά μου είναι καλή.I mama mou einai kali.My mama is kind.
Example conversation
A son is calling his mother from another room.
- Κώστας KostasΜαμά, πού είσαι;Mama, pou eisai;Mama, where are you?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕδώ είμαι, Κώστα.Edó eimai, Kostá.I am here, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΘέλω λίγο νερό.Thelo li-go nero.I want some water.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΈρχομαι αμέσως.Erchomai amesos.I'm coming immediately.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry μαμά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μαμά, CC BY-SA 4.0.
