ਮੰਮੀ
mammī
The Punjabi word for "mom" is ਮੰਮੀ (mammī).
ਮੰਮੀ is an affectionate and informal term used to address or refer to one's mother, similar to saying "mommy" or "mom" in English.
Which one should you use?
While ਮੰਮੀ is informal, ਮਾਤਾ ਜੀ (mātā jī) is a more formal and respectful way to refer to a mother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ਮੰਮੀ is an informal, affectionate term. For formal or highly respectful situations, use ਮਾਤਾ ਜੀ.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Lahore region, some people use the term Amma to address their mothers.
How do you pronounce it?
mammī
Did you know?
- While ਮੰਮੀ is common in modern urban households, it is actually a loanword from English. Traditional Punjabi families often use native terms like ਮਾਂ (mā̃) or ਅੰਮੀ (ammī) instead.
- The term ਮਾਤਾ (mātā) has a much broader spiritual weight than the English word 'mother'. It is frequently used to address elderly women or even spiritual guides as a mark of high reverence.
- In traditional Punjabi folk songs and rural storytelling, you will often find the word ਬੇਬੇ (bēbē) used for 'mother', which evokes a specific sense of heritage and warmth.
Examples in context
- ਮੇਰੀ ਮੰਮੀ ਬਹੁਤ ਚੰਗੀ ਹੈ।merī mammī bahut caṅgī hai.My mom is very good.
- ਮੰਮੀ, ਮੈਨੂੰ ਭੁੱਖ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ।mammī, mainū bhukk lagī hai.Mom, I am hungry.
- ਮੰਮੀ ਘਰ 'ਤੇ ਹਨ।mammī ghar 'tē hana.Mom is at home.
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking in the living room.
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਕੀ ਮੰਮੀ ਆ ਗਏ?kī mammī ā ga'ē?Has mom arrived?
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਹਾਂ, ਮੰਮੀ ਹੁਣੇ ਆਏ ਹਨ।hāṁ, mammī hunē ā'ē hana.Yes, mom just arrived.
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਠੀਕ ਹੈ, ਮੈਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵੇਖਦਾ ਹਾਂ।ṭhīka hai, maiṁ unhāṁ nū vēkhdā hāṁ.Okay, I will go see her.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਰਵਿੰਦਰ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਕਹਿਣਾ।ravindar, unhāṁ nū mērā sati srī akāla kahīṇā.Ravinder, give her my greetings.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ਮੰਮੀ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
