мама
máma[ˈmamə]
The English phrase "mom" is translated into Russian as мама (máma).
мама is an informal word for a mother.
Which one should you use?
While мама is the warm, everyday word for mom, мать is a more formal and biological term for "mother". The form мамочка is a more affectionate, diminutive version of мама, similar to "mommy" in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of мама changes depending on its role in a sentence: use мамы to indicate possession or the "of" relationship (e.g., "mom's"), маму when the word is the direct object of a verb (e.g., "I love mom"), and маме when giving something to her or speaking to her (e.g., "to mom").
How do you pronounce it?
máma
Did you know?
- The phrase мама is so central to Russian identity that the concept of 'the motherland' is expressed as Родина-мать, literally 'Mother-Motherland'.
- The Russian word мама is a cognate of the Latin word mamma, which originally meant 'breast' or 'nurse'.
- In Russian, using the formal term мать instead of мама to refer to one's own mother can sound cold, distant, or even ironically humorous in a casual setting.
Examples in context
- Ты не моя мама.You're not my mom.This sentence is useful for using the form мама to deny a relationship.Tatoeba #2981661 by odexed, translation #2843815 by Hybrid
- Мама, а где кот?Mom, where's the cat?This sentence is useful for using the form мама to address a mother directly.Tatoeba #2594077 by paul_lingvo, translation #1694966 by CM
- Где мама и папа?Where are mom and dad?This sentence is useful for using the form мама to ask about a person's location.Tatoeba #13821940 by Ooneykcall, translation #13821931 by maaster
- Привет, мамочка!Hi, mom!
- 359 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alexander is talking to Olga about her family.
- Александр AleksandrТвоя мама сейчас дома?Tvoyya mama seychas doma?Is your mom at home right now?
- Ольга OlgaНет, она на работе.Net, ona na rabote.No, she is at work.
- Александр AleksandrКогда она вернётся?Kogda ona vernyotsya?When will she be back?
- Ольга OlgaМоя мама будет здесь в шесть.Moya mama budet zdes' v shest'.My mom will be here at six.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry мама, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries мама, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
