แม่
mɛ̂ɛ/mɛː˥˩/
The English phrase "mommy" is translated to Thai as แม่ (mɛ̂ɛ).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you wish to be more polite or formal when referring to one's mother or a mother in general, you should use คุณแม่.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced [mɛ̂ɛ].
Did you know?
- Beyond biological mothers, the word แม่ is used to describe the central or primary part of many things, such as แม่เหล็ก for a 'magnet' or 'mother iron'.
- In some contexts, แม่ is used as a playful or affectionate term for friends or peers within certain social circles, particularly in LGBTQ+ communities.
- In Thai, แม่ is not only for biological mothers but is also used as a title for female teachers, mentors or female heads of a craft or art form.
Examples in context
- แม่ครับ ผมรักแม่นะmae khrap, phom rak mae naMommy, I love you.
- แม่กำลังทำกับข้าวในครัวmae kam-lang tham kap-khao nai khruaMommy is cooking in the kitchen.
- คุณแม่สวยที่สุดเลยkhun mae suay thi-sut loeiMommy is the most beautiful.
Example conversation
A son is asking his mother about her whereabouts.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatแม่ไปไหนครับmae pai nai khrapWhere did mommy go?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinแม่ไปตลาดจ้ะmae pai ta-lat chaMommy went to the market.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatแม่จะซื้อขนมมาไหมmae cha bue khanom ma maiWill mommy buy some snacks?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinซื้อมาให้แน่นอนจ้ะsue ma hai nae-non chaI will definitely buy some for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry แม่, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
