Maman
affectionate
Children say Maman to their mother in Cajun French. The more formal word is mère, and you say ma mère when you talk about her to others.
Meaning: mother (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Maman | affectionate |
| mère | formal |
| ma mère | my mother |
Use Maman when you speak to her directly and ma mère when you describe her, as in Ma mère fait le meilleur gombo.
How do you pronounce it?
Maman sounds like "mah-MAHN".
Did you know?
- CODOFIL, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana, was created in 1968 to support the French language in the state.
Examples in context
- Maman, viens ici!Mom, come here!
- Ma mère est à la maison.My mother is at home.
- Je t'aime, Maman.I love you, Mom.
Example conversation
Little Jean-Luc asks his mother Caroline for help with homework in Lafayette.
- Jean-LucMaman, aide-moi, s'il te plaît.Mom, help me, please.
- CarolineBien sûr, mon cher.Of course, my dear.
- Jean-LucMerci, Maman.Thank you, Mom.
