mama
/mâma/
The Bosnian word for mom is mama.
mama is an informal word used to refer to a female parent.
Which one should you use?
While mama is the common informal term, majka serves as the standard or formal term for mother and mamica is an endearing form used to express affection.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mama is the informal and most common way to address one's mother. For a more formal or polite tone, use majka.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on its role in a sentence. If you are saying something is 'to mom' or 'for mom' using the dative case, use mami. When 'mom' is the direct object of a sentence, such as in 'I see mom', the form changes to mamu.
How do you pronounce it?
/mâma/
Did you know?
- Using majka in a casual setting with your own parent can actually sound cold or overly distant, almost as if you are addressing a stranger.
- The term mamica is so affectionate that it can sometimes be used as a term of endearment for a person much younger than the speaker, like a child.
- The word majka shares a deep linguistic root with the word majka-zemlja, which means 'motherland' and carries a strong patriotic emotional weight.
Examples in context
- Molim vas, moja majka želi da znate koliko cijeni vašu pomoć.Please, my mother wants you to know how much she appreciates your help.
- Mama, možeš li mi pomoći s domaćim zadatkom?Mom, can you help me with my homework?
- Otišao sam kod bake i mama mi je spremila omiljenu hranu.I went to my grandma's, and mom cooked my favorite food.
- Volim te, mama.I love you, mom.
- Moja mama je veoma ljubazna.My mom is very kind.
- Gdje je moja mama?Where is my mom?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families at a cafe.
- JasminaJesi li vidio svoju mamu danas?Did you see your mom today?
- AdnanNisam, ali zovem mamu večeras.No, but I will call mom tonight.
- JasminaMoja mama je danas kod bake.My mom is at grandma's today.
- AdnanTo je lijepo.That is nice.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
