мама
máma[ˈmamə]
The English word "mom" is translated into Russian as мама (máma).
мама is an informal way to refer to a mother.
Which one should you use?
While мама is the affectionate and common way to say "mom", the word мать is a more formal and biological term for "mother".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on its role in a sentence. The form мамы is the genitive singular, used to indicate possession (mom's) or the object of certain prepositions. The form маму is the accusative singular, used when мама is the direct object of a verb.
How do you pronounce it?
máma
Did you know?
- The Russian word мама shares a root with the German word Muhme, which surprisingly means 'aunt' rather than 'mother'.
- Russian speakers often use the diminutive мамочка to express extra tenderness or when a child is pleading for something.
- In some Russian dialects and folk traditions, the word матушка is used as a respectful and warm way to address a mother or an older woman.
Examples in context
- Ты не моя мама.You're not my mom.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say "mom" in a negative statement.Tatoeba #2981661 by odexed, translation #2843815 by Hybrid
- Мама, а где кот?Mom, where's the cat?This sentence shows how to use "мама" when addressing a mother directly.Tatoeba #2594077 by paul_lingvo, translation #1694966 by CM
- Где мама и папа?Where are mom and dad?This sentence demonstrates using "мама" in a question about two people.Tatoeba #13821940 by Ooneykcall, translation #13821931 by maaster
- Я познакомился с вашей матерьюI met your mother
- Спасибо, мама, за всю поддержкуThanks, mom, for all your support
- 359 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking in the kitchen about their parent.
- Екатерина EkaterinaМама уже пришла домой?Mama uzhe prishla domoy?Has mom come home yet?
- Андрей AndreyНет, мама ещё на работе.Net, mama eshche na rabote.No, mom is still at work.
- Екатерина EkaterinaТогда я приготовлю ужин.Togda ya prigotovlyu uzhin.Then I will make dinner.
- Андрей AndreyХорошо, я тебе помогу.Khorosho, ya tebe pomogu.Okay, I will help you.
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.
