mamá
standard, Mexico
In Mexico "mom" is mamá, said with the stress on the last syllable. Mami is more tender, and amá is a quick spoken form heard at home.
Meaning: informal word for mother (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| mamá | standard, Mexico |
| mami | affectionate |
| amá | casual, Mexico |
Children use mamá at any age. Many Mexican adults also say mi mamá when they speak about their mother, without adding any title.
Which one should you use?
Mamá works as a name when you talk to her. Mi madre is more formal or literary when you describe her.
How do you pronounce it?
Mamá is said "mah-MAH".
Did you know?
- The short form amá is a spoken Mexican shortening of mamá and is mostly used when calling someone at home.
Examples in context
- Mamá, ¿puedo salir?Mom, can I go out?
- Mi mamá llega mañana.My mom arrives tomorrow.
- Amá, tengo hambre.Mom, I am hungry.
Example conversation
Fer calls his mother to say he will be late, in Mexico City.
- FerMamá, voy a llegar tarde.Mom, I will be late.
- Mamá¿Dónde estás, hijo?Where are you, son?
- FerEn el trabajo, no me tardo.At work, I will not be long.
