mama
/mâma/
The Croatian word for mom is mama.
mama is an informal and affectionate way to refer to a female parent.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mama is the informal term used for a mother, while majka is the formal and standard term for mother.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Dalmatian region of Croatia, the slang term Stara is sometimes used to refer to one's mother, which can be translated as 'old lady'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mama is mame. When mama is the direct object of a sentence, the ending changes to mamu, such as in the phrase volim mamu (I love mom).
How do you pronounce it?
/mâma/
Did you know?
- In some regions, calling a woman mami or mamice might be used as a friendly, albeit slightly patronizing, way to address a woman in a service or street setting.
- While mama is common, some older generations in rural Croatia still use the term mati, a very archaic word for mother that sounds harsh to modern urban ears.
- Croatian uses the word majka as a root for majka jezika, which translates to 'mother tongue' to describe one's native language.
Examples in context
- Ako mama ne dođe, čekaj da te tata odveze doma.If mom doesn't come, wait for dad to drive you home.This sentence shows the use of mama in a conditional context.Tatoeba #13768549 by lostmindRH, translation #13768550 by lostmindRH
- Mama, gladan sam.Mom, I'm hungry.This sentence shows how to address mama directly.Tatoeba #2764217 by marsovka, translation #2764199 by CK
- Mama kupa psa, jer je prljav.Mom is washing the dog because he's dirty.This sentence uses mama as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #658969 by billy_boomo_2, translation #456393 by lukaszpp
- Draga majko,Dear mother,
- Hej mama, kako si?Hey mom, how are you?
- Mama, volim te najviše na svijetu!Mom, I love you the most in the world!
Example conversation
Ivan and Mia are talking about their weekend plans.
- IvanHoćeš ići u kino s mnom?Do you want to go to the cinema with me?
- MiaMoram prvo pitati mamu.I have to ask mom first.
- IvanJe li tvoja mama stroga?Is your mom strict?
- MiaNe, ona je uvijek ljubazna.No, she is always kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
