mamãe
/mɐ̃ˈmɐ̃j̃/
The English phrase "mama" is translated into Portuguese as mamãe.
mamãe is an endearing and commonly used informal term for "mommy" or "mama". It is used by children or by adults to express intimacy with their mothers.
Which one should you use?
While mamãe is an affectionate term, the standard, neutral word for "mother" is mãe.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mamãe is an informal and affectionate term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In northeastern Brazil, particularly in states like Bahia, mainha is a popular and affectionate way to say "mama."
How do you pronounce it?
/mɐ̃ˈmɐ̃j̃/
Did you know?
- In romantic or highly intimate contexts, some Brazilian adults use mamãe when speaking to their partners as a term of endearment.
- The word mãe is the root of mamãe and is also used in the Portuguese expression mãe d'água to describe a spring or the source of a river.
- The term mainha used in Northeast Brazil is a contraction of minha mãe, meaning 'my mother'.
Examples in context
- Eu ainda chamo a minha mãe de mamãe.I still call my mother Mama.This sentence shows how someone might still use mamãe to address their mother.Tatoeba #7309021 by Ricardo14, translation #6531302 by CK
- Mamãe chorou.Mama cried.This sentence uses mamãe as the subject of the sentence.Tatoeba #4357343 by Ricardo14, translation #1447977 by CK
- Gatinhos filhotes amassam a barriga da mãe para estimulá-la a produzir leite, então, quando os gatos adultos amassam você, isso significa que eles estão felizes e à vontade com você – como se você fosse a mamãe deles.Young kittens knead their mother's belly to stimulate her to produce milk, so when grown cats knead on you, it means they're happy and comfortable with you – just like you're their mama.This sentence uses the comparison of a cat's behavior to the feeling of being someone's mamãe.Tatoeba #4606402 by KimiP, translation #3020382 by Delian
- Boa tarde, mãezinha. Preciso falar com a senhora.Good afternoon, mom. I need to speak to you.
- Oi, mãe! Tudo bem contigo?Hi, mom! How are you doing?
- Vem cá, mamãe. Preciso te contar uma coisa.Come here, mommy. I need to tell you something.
- Já estou indo, mainha.I'm coming, mommy.
Example conversation
A son calling out to his mother in the house.
- GabrielMamãe, você viu minha chave?Mama, did you see my key?
- MarianaEstá em cima da mesa, Gabriel.It is on top of the table, Gabriel.
- GabrielObrigado, mamãe!Thanks, mama!
- MarianaDe nada, querido.You're welcome, dear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mamãe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
