mama
/ˈmɑmaː/
The Dutch word for "mommy" is mama.
mama is an affectionate term used by both young children and adults when speaking to or about their mother.
Which one should you use?
mama is the affectionate term equivalent to "mommy", whereas moeder is the more formal and standard term for "mother". Mam is also a popular informal term used to address one's mother.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɑmaː/
Did you know?
- The word mama was borrowed into Dutch from the French word maman.
- Dutch speakers may use mama ironically among adults to describe a person who is being overly protective or fussy.
- While mama is the standard affectionate term, some families in eastern dialects use the regional word moeke instead.
Examples in context
- Ben jij mijn mama?Are you my mommy?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is your mama.Tatoeba #11935148 by PaulP, translation #5758253 by CM
- Heb je mama geholpen?You helped Mommy?This sentence is useful for asking if someone helped mama.Tatoeba #10134898 by Micsmithel, translation #32492 by CM
- Mama is op dit moment niet thuis.Mommy is not home at the moment.This sentence is useful for stating that mama is not home at the moment.Tatoeba #4639629 by LinguisticFusion, translation #4636831 by MatthewChriswood
- Ik hou van je, mam!I love you, mom!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A little boy is asking his mother for a snack.
- LeviMama, ik heb honger.Mommy, I am hungry.
- EmmaKom maar even, lieverd.Come here, sweetheart.
- LeviMag ik een koekje, mama?Can I have a cookie, mommy?
- EmmaNatuurlijk, Levi.Of course, Levi.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mama, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
