mami
/ˈmami/
The English phrase "mommy" is translated into Spanish as mami.
mami is an affectionate term primarily used by young children to address their mother. It can also be used by adults as an extremely affectionate term toward their own mothers or even toward romantic partners.
Which one should you use?
While mami is the affectionate "mommy," the word mamá is the more standard and neutral term for "mom."
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmami/
Did you know?
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, a woman might call her own child mami as a gesture of affection.
- A person might use the phrase ¡Ay, mami! as an exclamation of surprise or frustration, completely unrelated to addressing a parent.
- The term mami is frequently used in Reggaeton and Urban Latin music as a synonym for 'sexy woman' or 'girlfriend'.
Examples in context
- Se lo di a mi mami.I gave it to my mommy.This sentence shows how to use mami to refer to one's own mother.Tatoeba #3270706 by cueyayotl, translation #255676 by CM
- Guácala, mami y papi están besándose.Ugh, mommy and daddy are kissing.This sentence demonstrates using mami and papi to refer to parents.Tatoeba #9171238 by ignacio, translation #9171225 by coyo7e
- ¿Ayudaste a mami?You helped Mommy?This sentence shows mami being used as a name or title when asking if someone helped her.Tatoeba #4484461 by cueyayotl, translation #32492 by CM
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo is asking his mother for a snack.
- MateoMami, ¿me das una manzana?Mommy, can you give me an apple?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, espera un momento.Yes, Mateo, wait a moment.
- MateoGracias, mami.Thank you, mommy.
- ElenaDe nada, mi amor.You're welcome, my love.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mami, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
