mamá
/maˈma/
The Spanish phrase for mom is mamá.
mamá is an informal way to refer to a mother. Mamá can be used formally and is more affectionate than madre.
Which one should you use?
While mamá is the informal equivalent of 'mom', madre is the more formal or standard term for 'mother'. For even more affection, you can use the diminutive terms mamita or madrecita.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make mamá plural, you add -s to get mamás.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈma/
When do people say it?
Madrecita is a term meaning little mother used to convey love and adoration. Mamita is an informal term of endearment for mom.
Did you know?
- In the Spanish language, the word mamá is an example of a word whose meaning is entirely dependent on the accent mark, as mama without the accent refers to a breast.
- Depending on the country, a person might use 'jefa' (boss) as a playful, slang way to refer to their 'mamá' to signal her authority in the household.
- While mamá is the common term, some Spanish speakers use mami not just for their mother, but as a flirtatious or affectionate term for a romantic partner.
Examples in context
- Quiero a mi mamá.I love my mom.This sentence shows how to express love for your mamá.Tatoeba #651402 by Shishir, translation #2011109 by Shishir
- Mi mamá me cocina.My mom cooks for me.This sentence demonstrates the use of mamá in the context of cooking.Tatoeba #2139151 by hayastan, translation #9364454 by Nylez
- ¿Qué dijo tu mamá?What did your mom say?This sentence is a way to ask about something a mamá said.Tatoeba #6673570 by UsuarioX, translation #3573387 by Hybrid
- Mi madre es una persona maravillosaMy mother is a wonderful person
- Gracias por todo, mamáThank you for everything, mom
- ¿Cómo estás, mami?How are you, mom?
- Te quiero mucho, mamitaI love you so much, mom
- Ven aquí, madrecitaCome here, mom
- 185 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking on the phone.
- MaríaHola, ¿está tu mamá?Hello, is your mom there?
- JavierNo, mi mamá salió al súper.No, my mom went to the supermarket.
- MaríaDile a tu mamá que llame después.Tell your mom to call later.
- JavierClaro, yo le digo, María.Sure, I will tell her, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mamá, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
