ماما
māmā/maː.maː/
The English phrase "momma" is translated into Arabic as ماما (māmā).
ماما is an informal or affectionate word for mother used by children or adults.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, it is common to say يا ماما to address one's mother affectionately. In the Gulf region, it is common to use the term يا أمي to affectionately address one's mother.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is māmā (/maː.maː/).
Did you know?
- The phrase يا ماما is sometimes used by parents to address their own children as a term of endearment, effectively calling the child 'mommy'.
- In some traditional Arabic social contexts, calling one's mother by her name or a direct title like ماما might be seen as too casual, so people often use the respectful 'Kunyah' system instead.
- In some Arab cultures, adult children continue to use ماما well into their thirties or forties as a sign of lifelong filial piety and tenderness.
Examples in context
- أنا أحبك يا ماما.Ana uhibbuki ya mama.I love you, momma.
- يا ماما، هل أنتِ هنا؟Ya mama, hal anti huna?Momma, are you here?
- ماما، أنا جائع جداً.Mama, ana ja'i' jiddan.Momma, I am very hungry.
Example conversation
A child is calling for his mother in the house.
- عمر Omarماما، أين أنتِ؟Mama, aina anti?Momma, where are you?
- ليلى Laylaأنا في المطبخ يا عمر.Ana fil matbakh ya Omar.I am in the kitchen, Omar.
- عمر Omarهل انتهيتِ من الطعام؟Hal intahayti min al-ta'am?Are you finished with the food?
- ليلى Laylaنعم، الطعام جاهز الآن.Na'am, al-ta'am jahiz al-an.Yes, the food is ready now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ماما, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
