माँ
MaaHindi
A child calls its mother माँ (Maa) (maa). Many families say मम्मी (mummy), and in many Muslim homes the word is अम्मी (ammi).
Meaning: mother, as a child calls her (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| माँ | Maa | Hindi |
| मम्मी | Mummy | everyday |
| अम्मी | Ammi | common in Muslim families |
Adults can say माँ (maa) with respect, and the word माताजी (maataji) is a formal and respectful way to speak of someone's mother.
Which one should you use?
Beware of मामा (maama). In Hindi it does not mean mother. It means mother's brother, a maternal uncle.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many regions the word is अम्मा (amma), and in Punjabi-speaking homes people often say मम्मी (mummy) or बेबे (bebe).
Did you know?
- In Hindi मामा (maama) is the mother's brother, so an English speaker who says "mama" to mean mother will be understood as saying "uncle".
Examples in context
- माँ खाना बना रही है।Maa khaana bana rahi hai.Mom is cooking.
- माँ, मुझे भूख लगी है।Maa, mujhe bhookh lagi hai.Mom, I am hungry.
- मम्मी बाज़ार गई हैं।Mummy bazaar gayi hain.Mom has gone to the market.
Example conversation
Little Riya comes home from school and calls for her mother.
- Riyaमाँ, मैं आ गई!Maa, main aa gayi!Mom, I am back!
- Maaआ जाओ बेटा। हाथ धो लो।Aa jao beta. Haath dho lo.Come, dear. Wash your hands.
- Riyaमाँ, आज स्कूल में मज़ा आया।Maa, aaj school mein maza aaya.Mom, I had fun at school today.
