μαμάκα
mamaka
The Greek word for mommy is μαμάκα (mamaka).
μαμάκα is an affectionate or informal term used by children or adults to refer to their mother.
Which one should you use?
While μαμάκα is an affectionate way to say mommy, the term μάμα is a more standard and neutral informal way to say mom. Additionally, μαμάκι serves as an informal diminutive form of mommy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cyprus, the term μανούλα is used for mommy.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although μαμάκα is a feminine-coded noun, the masculine slang form μαμάκας can be used to describe a person who is considered overly sentimental or 'soft'.
How do you pronounce it?
mamaka
Did you know?
- In many Greek households, even adults may use the diminutive μαμάκι when speaking to their mothers to sound particularly endearing or to play the role of a 'baby' during an argument.
- In Greek 'laïko' music, references to a mother carry a level of sacred intensity that makes the English 'mommy' feel relatively casual by comparison.
- The suffix used in μαμάκα is often employed in Greek to create 'larger than life' versions of nouns to add warmth or exaggeration.
Examples in context
- Η μαμά μου είναι πολύ γενναιόδωρη.My mommy is very generous.
- Σε αγαπώ, μαμά!I love you, mommy!
- Ευχαριστώ, μαμά!Thank you, mommy!
- Η μαμά μου μαγειρεύει τα καλύτερα φαγητά!My mommy cooks the best food!
- Γεια σου, μαμάκα μου!Gia sou, mamaka mou!Hello, my mommy!
- Η μαμάκα μου είναι πολύ καλή.I mamaka mou einai poly kali.My mommy is very kind.
- Θέλω ένα δώρο για τη μαμάκα μου.Thelo ena doro gia ti mamaka mou.I want a gift for my mommy.
Example conversation
Kostas is talking to Eleni about her mother.
- Κώστας KostasΠότε θα έρθει η μαμάκα σου;Pote tha erthei i mamaka sou?When will your mommy come?
- Ελένη EleniΘα έρθει σε λίγα λεπτά.Tha erthei se liga lepta.She will come in a few minutes.
- Κώστας KostasΠεριμένω τη μαμάκα σου με χαρά.Perimeno ti mamaka sou me chara.I look forward to seeing your mommy.
- Ελένη EleniΕυχαριστώ, Κώστα!Efcharisto, Kosta!Thank you, Kostas!
