امی
ammī/əmː.iː/
The English word "mom" translates to Urdu as امی (ammī).
امی is an informal and affectionate term used to address one's mother, similar to "Mom" in English. Other informal ways to address a mother include Mama.
Which one should you use?
While امی is an affectionate and informal term, والدہ (wālidah) is a formal and respectful term used in official or literary contexts. Additionally, Ammi Jan is a formal and endearing way to address your mother.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as ammī (two syllables).
Did you know?
- The word امی (ammī) can be confused with the word امی (ummī), which in a religious context means 'unlettered' or 'unable to read'.
- In Urdu culture, adding the word جان (jan) to امی creates امی جان, which translates literally as 'Mother Life' or 'Mother Soul'.
- Urdu speakers often use specific honorifics or titles to address parents to demonstrate 'adab', a concept of refined etiquette.
Examples in context
- میری امی بہت پیاری ہیں۔meri ammi bohat pyari hain.My mom is very lovely.
- امی، کیا آپ یہاں ہیں؟ammi, kya aap yahan hain?Mom, are you here?
- میں نے امی کے لیے پھول خریدے۔mein ne ammi ke liye phool khareede.I bought flowers for mom.
Example conversation
Zainab and Hamza are talking at home.
- زینب Zainabحمزہ، کیا امی گھر پر ہیں؟Hamza, kya ammi ghar par hain?Hamza, is mom at home?
- حمزہ Hamzaہاں، وہ کچن میں ہیں۔Haan, woh kitchen mein hain.Yes, she is in the kitchen.
- زینب Zainabمیں امی کو بلاتی ہوں۔Main ammi ko bulati hoon.I will call mom.
- حمزہ Hamzaٹھیک ہے، جاؤ۔Theek hai, jao.Okay, go ahead.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry امی, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
