maman
/ma.mɑ̃/
The English phrase "momma" can be translated into French as maman.
maman is an affectionate way to refer to or address one's mother. You can increase the level of affection by using phrases like Maman chérie (darling mom) or Maman adorée (beloved mom).
Which one should you use?
maman is used for direct address or when speaking affectionately about a mother, whereas mère is the more formal and biological term for "mother".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
maman is an informal and affectionate term, equivalent to "mom" or "mommy" in English. Using Maman as a proper noun is a common informal way to express this.
How do you pronounce it?
/ma.mɑ̃/
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking regions, maman can be used as a term of endearment for a grandmother, particularly in families where the grandmother acted as the primary caregiver.
- The word maman is a classic example of 'nursery language', where the sounds are simplified to match the natural babbling of infants.
- If you call a stranger maman in France, it would be considered extremely bizarre or even a way to mock them, unlike some English dialects where 'momma' can be used more loosely.
Examples in context
- Je t'aime, maman!I love you, Mom!
- Maman chérie, tu es la meilleure!Darling mom, you're the best!
- Maman adorée, merci pour tout ce que tu fais pour nous.Beloved mom, thank you for everything you do for us.
- Ma mère est géniale, elle est ma maman, ma mamounette!My mom is fantastic, she is my momma, my dear mommy!
- Maman, j'ai fini mes devoirs.Momma, I finished my homework.
- Tu as appelé ta maman ?Did you call your momma?
- Je t'aime, maman.I love you, momma.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are in the kitchen.
- HugoLéa, où est maman ?Léa, where is momma?
- LéaElle est au jardin, Hugo.She is in the garden, Hugo.
- HugoJe veux lui montrer mon dessin.I want to show her my drawing.
- LéaVa vite la rejoindre alors !Go join her quickly then!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry maman, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maman, CC BY-SA 4.0.
