Māmā
/maːˈmaː/
Māmā is the Hawaiian word for mom.
Māmā is an informal term used to refer to a female parent.
How do you pronounce it?
/maːˈmaː/
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, the concept of 'mother' often extends beyond a biological parent to include any woman who provides nurturing and care.
- Depending on the region, some speakers may use the word makuahine for a more formal or biological reference to a mother.
- Because it is a reduplicated word, māmā is an almost perfect cognate with the Māori word for mother, māmā, used in New Zealand.
Examples in context
- E Mama, ke aloha nei au iā 'oe.Oh Mom, I love you.
- E hele pū me Māmā.Go with Mom.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Malia are talking at home.
- IkaikaAiaʻo Māmā?Is mom here?
- MaliaʻAe, aia ʻo ia i ke kīkī.Yes, she is in the kitchen.
- IkaikaE kīkī au e kīkī i Māmā.I will go talk to mom.
- MaliaʻAe, hele mai.Yes, come along.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry māmā.
