mami
/ˈmami/
mami is an affectionate Spanish term for one's mother.
mami is a term commonly used to refer to one's mother, but it can also be used as an affectionate term for a woman in general.
Which one should you use?
While mamá is the standard way to say "mom", mami is more intimate and carries a more playful or tender tone. For a more formal and respectful term that directly translates to "mother", you should use madre. Additionally, mamita is an endearing term similar to "mommy" or "momma" in English and the slang term mamacita is often used to refer to a young and attractive woman.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mami is an informal and affectionate diminutive of mamá.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, mami is commonly used as an affectionate term for a young woman.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmami/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may assume mami is only used for mothers, but it is frequently used as a generic term of endearment for women in many Spanish-speaking cultures.
Did you know?
- If you hear someone call a small child mami, they are not calling the child their mother. In many dialects, people use mami or papi as affectionate labels for children of any gender.
- In some coastal regions of Colombia and the Caribbean, even strangers might be addressed as mami by street vendors or shopkeepers. It functions similarly to 'dear' or 'honey' in English.
- In Puerto Rico, mami is often used by women to address their female friends in a way similar to 'girl' or 'honey'.
Examples in context
- Te quiero mucho, mami.I love you very much, mommy.
- Hola, mami, ¿cómo estás?Hi, mommy, how are you?
- Mami, ¿me ayudas con esto?Mommy, can you help me with this?
Example conversation
Daniel is calling his mother on the phone.
- DanielHola, mami, soy Daniel.Hello, mommy, it's Daniel.
- LucíaHola, hijo, ¿qué tal todo?Hello, son, how is everything?
- DanielTodo bien, solo quería saludarte.Everything is fine, I just wanted to say hello.
- LucíaGracias por llamar, mami te quiere.Thanks for calling, mommy loves you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mami, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
