แม่
mɛ̂ɛ/mɛː˥˩/
The Thai phrase for mom is แม่ (mɛ̂ɛ).
แม่ is an informal word for a female parent. It can function both as a title for one's own mother and as a general noun meaning mother.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is mɛ̂ɛ.
When do people say it?
In Thai culture, แม่ is often used as a prefix for various female-led roles or as a respectful way to address older women in certain contexts, such as in the term for a female vendor แม่ค้า.
Did you know?
- In modern Thai LGBTQ+ slang, แม่ is used to refer to a legendary figure, a diva, or an influential icon in the community, regardless of their biological children.
- While แม่ means 'mother', it is also used to describe the 'female' or 'main' version of an object, such as a 'mother' key or a primary mold.
- While แม่ is the standard word, some Thai families use the more affectionate and rhythmic หม่าม้า (mǎa-máa), which is actually a loanword from Chinese rather than a native Thai term.
Examples in context
- ฉันเป็นแม่ของทอมI'm Tom's mom.This sentence shows how to use แม่ to indicate a relationship.Tatoeba #8722735 by pastelite, translation #2235792 by CK
- แม่กำลังเตรียมอาหารเย็นMom is getting dinner ready.This sentence demonstrates using แม่ as a subject when describing an action.Tatoeba #10531776 by Somsak, translation #486130 by CK
- แม่ชอบดอกไม้สีแดงmae chop dok mai si daengMom likes red flowers.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A son and daughter are talking at home.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinชลสิทธิ์ แม่ทำอะไรอยู่คะchonsit mae tham arai yu khaChonsit, what is mom doing?
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitแม่กำลังอ่านหนังสือครับmae kamlang an nangseu krapMom is reading a book.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinเดี๋ยวหนูจะเข้าไปหาแม่diao nu cha khao pai ha maeI will go find mom in a moment.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitครับ ไปเลยkrap pai loeiYes, go ahead.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry แม่, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
