mami, te quiero
The Spanish phrase for "mommy, I love you" is mami, te quiero.
This phrase is an expression of affection used by a child to speak to their mother.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, mami, te quiero translates to "mommy, I want you", but in this specific context, it is the standard way to say "I love you".
Which one should you use?
While mami, te amo is also a way to say "mommy, I love you", the version using te quiero is more common and natural for a child expressing affection to a parent.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mami is an affectionate, diminutive form of mamá used by children or as a term of endearment, making the entire phrase informal. An informal variation of the phrase is Te amo muchísimo, mami.
Did you know?
- The diminutive mami is so common that it is often used by adults as a term of endearment for their own partners or even close friends, moving far beyond the 'mommy' meaning.
- While mami is used by children, many adult men and women in Spanish-speaking cultures continue to call their mothers mami throughout their entire lives.
- The word te comes from the Latin tē, which was the accusative form of tū.
Examples in context
- Mami, te quiero mucho.Mommy, I love you very much.
- Mami, te quiero, gracias por el regalo.Mommy, I love you, thank you for the gift.
- Mami, te quiero, eres la mejor.Mommy, I love you, you are the best.
Example conversation
Javier is giving his mother a hug before bed.
- MaríaBuenas noches, Javier.Good night, Javier.
- JavierBuenas noches. Mami, te quiero.Good night. Mommy, I love you.
- MaríaYo también te quiero, mi amor.I love you too, my love.
- JavierHasta mañana.Until tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
