мама
mama
The Ukrainian word for "mom" is мама (mama).
мама is an informal word used to refer to a female parent.
Which one should you use?
While мама is the common, informal way to say "mom", мати is the more formal, biological or literary term for "mother".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
мама is the common, informal term. For more affectionate or diminutive expressions, you can use матуся (similar to "mommy" or "dear mom"), Мамочка (an affectionate and endearing way to refer to your mother) or the even more tender мамонька to express deep affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate possession or to say "of mom", use the genitive singular form мами. When addressing your mother directly, you use the vocative form мамо instead of the nominative мама.
How do you pronounce it?
mama
Did you know?
- In Ukrainian, the word мати for 'mother' can also function as a verb meaning 'to have'.
- Ukrainian мама is a distant relative of the German word Muhme, which shifted in meaning over time to mean 'aunt'.
- In Ukrainian literature and folk songs, the diminutive матуся is often used to evoke a sense of national or spiritual warmth, rather than just a simple family connection.
Examples in context
- Ти не моя мама.You're not my mom.This sentence shows how to use мама in a negative statement.Tatoeba #7557096 by deniko, translation #2843815 by Hybrid
- Мама грає в теніс.Mom is playing tennis.This sentence demonstrates the use of мама as a subject performing an action.Tatoeba #9568774 by deniko, translation #9524892 by DJ_Saidez
- Що скаже твоя мама?What will your mom say?This sentence shows how to use мама when asking about someone's mother.Tatoeba #5970939 by deniko, translation #5970906 by Hybrid
- Мамо, де знаходиться моя сумка?Mom, where is my bag?
- Мамочко, можеш мені допомогти з уроками?Mommy, can you help me with my homework?
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria is asking Oleksandr about his mother's health.
- Марія MariiaЯк почувається твоя мама?Yak pochuvaietsia tvoia mama?How is your mom feeling?
- Олександр OleksandrВона почувається набагато краще.Vona pochuvaietsia nabahato krashche.She is feeling much better.
- Марія MariiaЦе дуже гарна новина!Tse duzhe harna novyna!That is very good news!
- Олександр OleksandrТак, мама вже майже одужала.Tak, mama vzhe maizhe oduzhala.Yes, mom has almost recovered.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries мама, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
