mamá
/maˈma/
The Spanish phrase for "mama" is mamá.
mamá is an informal word used by a child to address or refer to their mother.
Which one should you use?
While mamá is an affectionate, informal term used by children or in casual settings, madre is the more formal and standard term for "mother" used in general or official contexts. The term madrecita translates to "dearest mother" or "darling mother."
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈma/
Did you know?
- In certain Spanish-speaking Caribbean cultures, mami can be used as a casual way to address a romantic partner or even a close female friend, moving far beyond the meaning of 'mother'.
- The term mamá actually entered the Spanish language via the French word maman, rather than originating directly from Latin roots like many other family terms.
- The diminutive mamita is not only used for children's mothers but is frequently used by husbands to address their wives in some Latin American cultures.
Examples in context
- Sigo llamando a mi madre "mamá".I still call my mother Mama.This sentence shows how to use mamá when referring to one's mother.Tatoeba #10671430 by Shishir, translation #6531302 by CK
- ¡Mamá, Tom no me devuelve mi juguete!Mama, Tom won't gimme back my toy!This sentence is useful for addressing a mother directly using mamá.Tatoeba #9582766 by hayastan, translation #4245860 by Tigrin
- Mamá lloró.Mama cried.This sentence illustrates using mamá as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #1447982 by marcelostockle, translation #1447977 by CK
- ¡Feliz Cumpleaños, mi querida madrecita!Happy Birthday, my dear mother!
- La madrecita nos espera con una deliciosa cena.The dearest mother is waiting for us with a delicious dinner.
- ¡Feliz cumpleaños, mamá querida!Happy birthday, dear mom!
- Mamá, ¿puedes ayudarme con estos deberes?Mom, can you help me with this homework?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A child is talking to his mother in the living room.
- AlejandroMamá, tengo mucha hambre.Mama, I am very hungry.
- MaríaEstá bien, Alejandro, voy a prepararte algo.Alright, Alejandro, I'm going to prepare something for you.
- Alejandro¿Puedo comer una manzana, mamá?Can I eat an apple, mama?
- MaríaSí, puedes comer una manzana ahora.Yes, you can eat an apple now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mamá, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mamá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
