maman
/ma.mɑ̃/
The English word "mom" is translated into French as maman.
maman is an informal term used to address or refer to one's mother. When you are calling out to your mother directly, you use Maman as a proper noun without an article (for example, Maman !).
Which one should you use?
While maman is the equivalent of "mom", the word mère is the more formal or standard term for "mother".
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple moms, the plural form is mamans.
How do you pronounce it?
/ma.mɑ̃/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- While maman is the sweet, informal term, calling your mother ma mère in a casual setting can actually sound cold or distant, as if you are discussing a stranger.
- If you want to sound extremely affectionate or use 'baby talk' with an adult, you might use the diminutive mamounette.
- The word maman is thought to have originated from 'baby talk', mimicking the earliest sounds infants make when attempting to communicate.
Examples in context
- Où est maman ?Where is mom?This sentence shows how to ask for the location of maman.Tatoeba #1498406 by Rovo, translation #687630 by lukaszpp
- Ta maman est là.Your mom is here.This sentence shows how to state that maman is present.Tatoeba #4578597 by sacredceltic, translation #3434400 by CK
- Où est ma maman ?Where's my mom?Tatoeba #3627909 by fleur74, translation #2254645 by CK
- Ma mère est une personne exceptionnelleMy mother is an exceptional person.
- Bonjour, mamanHello, mom.
- Je t'aime mamanI love you, mom.
- 169 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are in the kitchen.
- EmmaMaman a fait un gâteau !Mom made a cake!
- LucasC'est super, j'adore ça.That's great, I love it.
- EmmaDemande à maman si on peut en manger.Ask mom if we can eat some.
- LucasOui, je vais lui demander.Yes, I will ask her.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry maman, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maman, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
