màmá
The Yoruba word for "mom" is màmá.
màmá is used as an informal and affectionate term for a mother.
Did you know?
- In many Yoruba social contexts, calling an older woman màmá is a sign of profound respect rather than a literal claim that she is your mother.
- Yoruba is a tonal language, so changing the pitch of the vowels in màmá can change the word's meaning entirely.
- The phonetic structure of màmá is similar to the word for 'mother' in many other West African languages, reflecting a shared linguistic heritage across the region.
Examples in context
- Màmá mi fẹ́ràn mi.My mom loves me.
- Níbo ni màmá rẹ wà?Where is your mom?
- Màmá rẹ rí i.Your mom saw it.
Example conversation
Olumide and Morenike are talking at home.
- OlumideṢé màmá wà nílé?Is mom at home?
- MorenikeRárá, ó lọ sí ọjà.No, she went to the market.
- OlumideKí ni màmá fẹ́ rà?What does mom want to buy?
- MorenikeÓ fẹ́ rà oúnjẹ.She wants to buy food.
