мама
mȁma/mâma/
The Serbian word for "mom" is мама (mȁma).
мама is an informal way to refer to one's mother. You can also use the endearing form mamica to express affection.
Which one should you use?
While мама is the standard informal term, the word мајка is used for "mother" and is often preferred in more formal or respectful contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on its role in a sentence. Use the vocative form mamo when addressing your mother directly. The genitive form маме is used to show possession or to mean "of mom," such as in "mom's advice." The dative form мами is used when giving something to her or speaking to her, as in "give that to mom."
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is mȁma. The IPA is /mâma/.
Did you know?
- Serbian speakers use мајка in a variety of strong emotional expressions and curses that would be considered taboo or shocking if translated literally using мама.
- In Serbian culture, мајка is not just a formal word for 'mother' but is frequently used in idioms to describe the very essence or origin of something.
- The Serbian word мама shares an ancient ancestor with the German word Muhme meaning 'aunt'.
Examples in context
- Мама је у праву.Mom is right.This sentence shows how to use мама to state that a mother is correct.Tatoeba #13605458 by cafoc64474, translation #12829706 by Yepthatscool
- Мама те воли више него мене.Mom loves you more than she loves me.This sentence uses мама to express a mother's love.Tatoeba #11049134 by Lebad, translation #11046967 by CK
- Ја нисам Томова мама. Ја сам му стрина.I'm not Tom's mom. I'm his aunt.This sentence demonstrates the use of мама when clarifying a familial relationship.Tatoeba #8892393 by Lebad, translation #8864213 by CK
- Draga majko, hvala ti na svemu.Dear mother, thank you for everything.
- Mama, da li možeš da mi pomogneš?Mom, can you help me?
- mama volim temom, I love you
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marko and Milica are talking at home.
- MarkoГде је твоја мама?Where is your mom?
- MilicaМоја мама је у продавници.My mom is at the store.
- MarkoДа ли ће доћи брзо?Will she come back soon?
- MilicaДа, мама се враћа за пет минута.Yes, mom is returning in five minutes.
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.
