мама
máma[ˈmamə]
The Russian phrase for mama is мама (máma).
мама is frequently used to address one's mother in an informal setting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in southern dialects, you may come across the term Маманька.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is [máma].
Did you know?
- Russian speakers may use the phrase мама дорогая as an exclamation of shock or surprise, similar to saying 'my goodness' in English.
- Russian has a distinct word for 'stepmother', мачеха, which historically carried a much more negative and fearsome connotation in folklore than the word мама.
- The word мама is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'aunt', via the German word Muhme.
Examples in context
- Мама, я тебя люблю.I love you, Mama.Tatoeba #3676361 by marafon, translation #4505529 by deathpulse42
- Не плачьте, мама скоро вернётся.Don't cry, mama will be back soon.Tatoeba #7852041 by marafon, translation #11333470 by omniglotman
- Для тебя я "мама Луиджи", Марио!That's Mama Luigi to you, Mario!Tatoeba #13499763 by Ooneykcall, translation #12911601 by rul
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A son is telling his mother that he loves her.
- Александр AleksandrМама, ты самая лучшая.Mama, ty samaya luchshaya.Mama, you are the best.
- Ольга OlgaСпасибо, Александр, мне очень приятно.Spasibo, Aleksandr, mne ochen' priyatno.Thank you, Alexander, that is very sweet to hear.
- Александр AleksandrЯ всегда буду рядом.Ya vsegda budu ryadom.I will always be by your side.
- Ольга OlgaЯ знаю, мой дорогой сын.Ya znayu, moy dorogoy syn.I know, my dear son.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry мама, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries мама, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
