แม่
mɛ̂ɛ/mɛː˥˩/
The English phrase "mama" can be translated into Thai as แม่ (mɛ̂ɛ).
แม่ is an informal word used by children to address or refer to their mother. It can be used as a direct address when calling out to one's mother or as a third-person reference when talking about her.
Which one should you use?
While แม่ is the standard term, you can use คุณแม่ to create a more polite and formal version of the word. The addition of the prefix คุณ is used to increase the level of respect.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is mɛ̂ɛ. The IPA is /mɛː˥˩/.
Did you know?
- The word แม่ can also be used as a classifier for certain objects, such as the 'mother' boat or 'mother' piece in a set, to indicate the primary or largest item.
- In some Thai contexts, calling someone แม่ is not just a family term but a way to address a woman who is older or holds a position of authority in a community.
- If you want to refer to a 'mother' figure in a way that is even more respectful than adding คุณ, you can use the term มารดา, which is a formal Sanskrit-derived word.
Examples in context
- คุณแม่ท่านสบายดีครับ?Is your mother well?
- แม่รักลูกนะmae rak luk naMom loves you.
- แม่ทำอาหารอร่อยมากmae tham a-han a-roy makMom cooks very delicious food.
- ถามแม่หรือยังtham mae rue yangHave you asked Mom yet?
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking in their living room.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinธนกฤต ไปหาแม่กันเถอะthanakrit pai ha mae kan thoeThanakrit, let's go find Mom.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritแม่ไปไหนครับmae pai nai khrapWhere did Mom go?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinแม่น่าจะไปตลาดmae na cha pai ta-latMom is probably at the market.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritงั้นเดี๋ยวผมตามไปครับngan diao phom tam pai khrapThen I will follow her.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry แม่, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
