mami y papi
/mami i papi/from spelling rules
The English phrase "mommy and daddy" is translated into Spanish as mami y papi.
Informal and affectionate terms used by children to refer to their parents.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the diminutive forms of mamá (mom) and papá (dad) joined by the conjunction y (and).
Which one should you use?
mami y papi is the diminutive, affectionate version used by children. In contrast, mamá y papá is the standard, slightly more mature way to say "mom and dad".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is highly affectionate and is primarily used by young children or in very intimate family settings.
How do you pronounce it?
/mami i papi/
Did you know?
- In some Caribbean-influenced dialects, the word mami can be used by a man to address his romantic partner, even if they have never had children.
- The term papi is often used as a generic way to address a male friend or even a stranger, much like how an English speaker might use 'dude' or 'bro'.
- While mami is affectionate, using it toward a stranger in some Caribbean contexts can be seen as an overly familiar or flirtatious advance.
Examples in context
- Guácala, mami y papi están besándose.Ugh, mommy and daddy are kissing.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express a child's reaction to seeing mami y papi kissing.Tatoeba #9171238 by ignacio, translation #9171225 by coyo7e
- Mami y papi me compraron un helado.Mommy and daddy bought me an ice cream.
- ¿Dónde están mami y papi?Where are mommy and daddy?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A young boy is asking his sister about their parents during playtime.
- MateoLucía, ¿viste a mami y papi?Lucía, did you see mommy and daddy?
- LucíaSí, Mateo, están en la cocina.Yes, Mateo, they are in the kitchen.
- Mateo¡Qué bueno! Quiero ir con ellos.Great! I want to go with them.
- LucíaEstá bien, vamos juntos.Okay, let's go together.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
