مامان
mâmân[mɒː.mɒ́ːn]
The Persian phrase for "mom" is مامان (mâmân).
مامان is an informal and affectionate way to refer to one's mother. While it is primarily used to address one's own parent, it is also frequently used as a term of endearment for older women in close social circles, similar to how "mom" or "auntie" might be used colloquially in English.
Which one should you use?
The word مامان is the standard informal term. In contrast, مادر is the formal and standard term for "mother". For a more casual or diminutive tone, you might also encounter مامانی. Additionally, مامان جان can be used as an endearing way to address your mother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
مامان is the informal, affectionate version used in daily speech. For formal situations, use مادر.
How do you pronounce it?
mâmân
Did you know?
- While many Persian words have ancient roots, مامان is a relatively recent addition to the language, having been borrowed from the French word maman.
- The formal word مادر is used in legal documents and textbooks, but using it at home would sound unnervingly cold or distant to a native speaker.
- In modern urban Persian dialects, using the traditional ننه to mean 'mother' can actually sound like you are calling someone an 'old woman' or a 'grandmother' rather than showing affection.
Examples in context
- مامان اغلب می گفتند، که وقت پول است.Mom often said time is money.This sentence shows the use of مامان when discussing something a mother often said.Tatoeba #667637 by pliiganto, translation #7783929 by shayan
- «خیلی خسته به‌نظر می‌آیی.» «نه، مامان، خوبَم.»"You look very tired." "No, mom, I'm fine."This sentence demonstrates how to use مامان when responding directly to a mother.Tatoeba #10711521 by User103370, translation #4824068 by Hybrid
- مامانی، فردا میام خونه‌تون!Hey mom, I'll come to your place tomorrow!
- مادر عزیز، قصد دارم برای شب یلدا برنامه‌ای برگزار کنم.Dear mother, I intend to organize a program for Yalda night.
- مامان، من گرسنه‌ام.maman, man gorosne-am.Mom, I am hungry.
Example conversation
Zahra and Ali are in the kitchen.
- زهرا Zahraعلی، مامان کجاست؟Ali, māmān kojāst?Ali, where is mom?
- علی Aliاو در باغ است.Ou dar bāgh ast.She is in the garden.
- زهرا Zahraمی‌خواهم به مامان کمک کنم.Mikhāham be māmān komak konam.I want to help mom.
- علی Aliخیلی خوب است.Kheyli khub ast.That is very good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry مامان, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries مامان, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
