mama
/mama/
The English phrase "mom" is translated into Slovak as mama.
mama is an informal term used to refer to one's female parent.
Which one should you use?
While mama is the standard informal way to say mom, the term matka is used when referring to a mother in a more formal or biological sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its role in a sentence. The plural form is mamy. If you are saying "to mom", use the dative form mame. When "mom" is the direct object of a sentence, use the accusative form mamu.
How do you pronounce it?
/mama/
Did you know?
- The word mama is a near-universal term in many languages, but its roots in Slovak reach back to a Proto-Indo-European sound that was simply a repeated syllable used by infants.
- The word mama is shared across almost all Slavic languages, meaning a speaker of Polish, Czech or Russian would immediately understand a Slovak person saying this word.
- While English speakers use 'mom' or 'mother', Slovak speakers can use the diminutive form maminka to sound even more affectionate or endearing toward their mother.
Examples in context
- To je moja mama.This is my mom.This sentence shows how to use mama to identify a person.Tatoeba #9918981 by Dominika7, translation #1061529 by ArizonaJim
- Mama mi kúpila túto hračku, keď som mal osem.My mom bought me this toy when I was 8.This sentence demonstrates the use of mama as a subject in a past tense context.Tatoeba #12718582 by Dominika7, translation #1667802 by sadtoots
- Moja mama spí.My mom is sleeping.This sentence uses mama to describe a current action.Tatoeba #9850279 by Dominika7, translation #9552975 by carlosalberto
- Mami, môžeš mi pomôcť s úlohou?Mom, can you help me with this task?
- milovaná MamkaBeloved Mom
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kateřina and Peter are talking about their family in the living room.
- KateřinaKde je tvoja mama?Where is your mom?
- PeterMoja mama je v práci.My mom is at work.
- KateřinaKedy príde domov?When will she come home?
- PeterMama príde okolo piatej.Mom will come around five.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mama, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
