அம்மா
ammā/ɐmːɑː/
அம்மா (ammā) is the Tamil word for mom.
In Tamil culture, அம்மா is frequently used as a respectful term of address for any older woman or woman in a position of authority, even if she is not one's biological mother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word அம்மா is the standard, common way to address or refer to one's mother in an informal or affectionate manner. The word தாய் is a more formal or literary term for 'mother' used in writing or formal speech.
How do you pronounce it?
ammā
Did you know?
- While அம்மா is used for mother, the word அம்மை shares the same root and can refer to a lady of high status or even a specific disease like smallpox.
- The word அம்மா shares its ancient roots with the word அம்மன், which refers to a powerful mother goddess in South Indian traditions.
- While அம்மா is used for biological mothers, the same word is used to address female bus conductors or shopkeepers to establish a polite, familial rapport.
Examples in context
- Amma, நீங்கள் எப்படி இருக்கின்றீர்கள்?Mom, how are you?
- அம்மா, எனக்கு பசிக்கிறது.ammā, enakku pasikkiraṯu.Mom, I am hungry.
- அம்மா எங்கே இருக்கிறார்கள்?ammā eṅkē irukkiṟārkaḷ?Where is mom?
- என் அம்மா மிகவும் அன்பானவர்.eṉ ammā mikavum aṉpāṉavar.My mom is very kind.
Example conversation
Kavitha and Vijay are talking about their parents at home.
- விஜய் Vijayஉன் அம்மா எங்கே?Un amma engē?Where is your mom?
- கவிதா Kavithaஅம்மா கடைக்குச் சென்றார்.Amma kaḍaikkuċ ceṉṟār.Mom went to the shop.
- விஜய் Vijayஅம்மா எப்போது வருவார்?Amma eppōtu varuvār?When will mom return?
- கவிதா Kavithaஅம்மா விரைவில் வந்துவிடுவார்.Amma viraivil vantuviduvār.Mom will be back soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry அம்மா, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
