mama
/ˈma.ma/
The Polish word for mama is mama.
mama is an informal word used by both children and adults to refer to their mother.
Which one should you use?
mama is the common, informal term, whereas matka is a more formal word used in biological, legal or clinical contexts. Additionally, mamusia is a diminutive form used to express familiarity and affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on its role in a sentence. It becomes mamy in the genitive case to show possession or after certain prepositions.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈma.ma/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Polish has various suffixes that can transform mama into many different emotional shades, allowing a speaker to sound pleading, playful or deeply respectful.
- In some traditional Polish households, an adult man may still refer to his mother as mama throughout his entire life as a sign of close emotional bonding.
- The word mama is part of a wider Slavic pattern where the formal word matka is often used in idioms to describe the origin or source of something, similar to 'the mother of all'.
Examples in context
- Gdzie jest moja mama?Where's my mama?This example shows how to use mama when asking about someone's mother.Tatoeba #3872107 by jeedrek, translation #2254644 by CK
- Mama płakała.Mama cried.This example shows how to use mama as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #5627133 by machmet, translation #1447977 by CK
- Mamusiu, kiedy obiad będzie gotowy?Mommy, when will lunch be ready?
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking in the kitchen about their mother.
- KatarzynaCzy mama już wróciła?Has mom returned yet?
- PiotrNie, mama jest jeszcze w pracy.No, mom is still at work.
- KatarzynaA kiedy mama będzie w domu?And when will mom be home?
- PiotrPewnie będzie o szóstej.Probably at six o'clock.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
