mami
Puerto Rico, affectionate
Puerto Ricans most often call their mother mami. Mamá is the standard form, and mamita is a tender version.
Meaning: mother (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| mami | Puerto Rico, affectionate |
| Mamá | standard |
| Mamita | tender |
Mami is what children and adults use when speaking to their mother. It is also used as a friendly term for a woman, so context matters.
Which one should you use?
Mamá is a bit more formal and is common in writing, such as on Mother's Day cards.
When do people say it?
In many families, children greet parents and elders by asking for a blessing with Bendición, mami. The answer is Dios te bendiga.
Did you know?
- Puerto Ricans celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May, and it is one of the biggest family days of the year.
Examples in context
- Mami, ¿qué hay de comer?Mom, what is there to eat?
- Mi mamá hace el mejor arroz con gandules.My mom makes the best rice with pigeon peas.
Example conversation
Young Nico comes home from school in Humacao and greets his mother Lourdes.
- NicoBendición, mami.Bless me, mom.
- LourdesDios te bendiga, mi amor. ¿Cómo te fue?God bless you, my love. How did it go?
- NicoBien, mami. Tengo hambre.Fine, mom. I am hungry.
