mama
/ˈma.ma/
In Quechua, "mom" is expressed as mama.
While mama can mean mother, it is also used as a respectful title for a lady or a respected woman in many Quechua-speaking communities. It is not limited to biological mothers.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify mama by adding suffixes to indicate possession.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈma.ma/. The stress is on the 1st of 2 syllables.
When do people say it?
In many Quechua-speaking communities, mama is used as a respectful title for older women or women of high status, extending the word's use beyond the immediate family.
Did you know?
- The term mama is often paired with the word for 'earth', Pachamama, who is revered as the life-giving mother of all living things.
- In the Incan Empire, the term mama appeared in the titles of high-ranking women who oversaw the 'acllas', the chosen women of the sun.
- In some regions, adding the suffix -cha creates mamacha, a diminutive form that expresses deep affection or endearment.
Examples in context
- "Maypitaq mamayki kashan?" "Wasiypi.""Where is your mom?" "At my house."This sentence shows how to ask about the location of mama.Tatoeba #13967135 by IdiomHunter, translation #13967140 by IdiomHunter
- Maypitaq mamayki kashan?Where is your mom?This sentence is useful for asking where someone's mama is.Tatoeba #13967130 by IdiomHunter, translation #13967133 by IdiomHunter
- Mama, manan kusisqa kachkani.Mom, I am not happy.
Example conversation
Jose and Rosa are talking about their families.
- JoseMaypitaq mamayki kashan, Rosa?Where is your mom, Rosa?
- RosaMamay qhatupim kashan.My mom is at the market.
- JosePayqa allin runami.She is a good person.
- RosaArí, mamayqa sumaqmi.Yes, my mom is wonderful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
