ma
The English phrase "mom" is translated into Afrikaans as ma.
An informal word for a mother.
Which one should you use?
While ma is the common informal term for mom, moeder is the formal term for mother. mamma is an endearing and informal way to say "mom", and moekie is an intimate and sweet informal term used to address one's mother.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the word ma plural, you add an 's' to get ma's.
Did you know?
- The term moekie is so intimate that using it in a public setting or around people outside the immediate family might be seen as unusually sentimental or even slightly odd.
- The word ma is shared with Dutch, reflecting the close ancestral link between the two languages and the universal nature of early childhood sounds.
- In Afrikaans, the word ma's is often used to mean 'moms', but the apostrophe is technically incorrect in modern standard grammar rules. A strict grammarian would argue the plural should be written as mas without the apostrophe.
Examples in context
- Ma, ek is honger.Mom, I am hungry.This sentence is useful for expressing hunger to your ma.Tatoeba #4332760 by Superdooperhero, translation #4870565 by zvzuibqx
- Hy het my ma gevra.He asked my mom.This sentence is useful for describing an action involving your ma.Tatoeba #4332758 by Superdooperhero, translation #4870570 by zvzuibqx
- Mamma is besig om te werk.Mom is busy working.This sentence is useful for describing the activities of mamma.Tatoeba #4693707 by andromeda87, translation #4870554 by zvzuibqx
- Dankie, ma, vir al jou liefde en ondersteuning.Thank you, mom, for all your love and support.
- Ek is lief vir jou, mamma!I love you, mom!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Johan and Anika are talking about their family plans.
- JohanHet jy al vir ma gebel?Have you called mom yet?
- AnikaNee, ek sal haar nou bel.No, I will call her now.
- JohanVra asseblief vir ma oor Sondag.Please ask mom about Sunday.
- AnikaEk sal dit sommer nou doen.I'll just do it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
