مامان
mâmân[mɒː.mɒ́ːn]
The English phrase "mommy" can be translated into Persian as مامان (mâmân).
مامان is an affectionate term used to address or refer to a mother. It is the standard, informal way to say "mom" or "mommy" and is used by children and adults alike in casual settings.
Which one should you use?
While مامان is the affectionate, everyday term equivalent to "mommy" or "mom", مادر is the more distant and formal term for "mother".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The formal word for mom is مادر.
How do you pronounce it?
mâmân
Did you know?
- The word مامان is actually a loanword from the French maman, rather than being a native Persian word.
- In Persian culture, adding the suffix -جان to مامان to make مامانجان is a very common way to add an extra layer of warmth and respect.
- Before the widespread use of مامان, many families used the word ننه, which is still heard in some traditional or rural dialects.
Examples in context
- مامان، من گرسنه هستم.māmān, man gorsne hastam.Mommy, I am hungry.
- مامان کجاست؟māmān kojāst?Where is mommy?
- من مامانم را دوست دارم.man māmānam rā dust dāram.I love my mommy.
Example conversation
A child is asking his mother for help with a toy.
- نیلوفر Niloufarمامان، کمک کن!Maman, komak kon!Mommy, help me!
- علی Aliچی شده علی؟Chi shode Ali?What happened, Ali?
- نیلوفر Niloufarاین اسباببازی خراب شد.In asbab-bazi kharab shod.This toy broke.
- علی Aliبده من درستش کنم.Bede man dorostesh konam.Give it to me to fix.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry مامان, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries مامان, CC BY-SA 4.0.
