mẹ
[mɛ˧˨ʔ]
The English phrase 'mommy' translates to Vietnamese as mẹ.
mẹ is the standard word for mother. It is used both as a title (Mother) and as a pronoun (she/you) when speaking to or about one's mother. Additionally, the phrase mẹ ơi is how a child would typically call out to their mother to get her attention, similar to saying "Mommy!" or "Mom!" in English.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase mẹ ơi is used in an informal way to call out to a mother.
When do people say it?
The phrase Mẹ Ôi is similar to saying 'Oh, Mommy!' in English.
Did you know?
- The exclamation Mẹ ơi! can be used as an expression of shock or surprise, similar to saying 'Oh my god!' in English.
- While mẹ is the standard term, Vietnamese has many regional variations for 'mommy', such as má in Southern Vietnam or u in certain traditional contexts.
- In many Vietnamese families, even adults might use mẹ ơi when calling for their mother, not just small children.
Examples in context
- Mẹ ơi, con đói quá.Mommy, I am so hungry.
- Con yêu mẹ nhất.I love mommy the most.
- Mẹ đang làm gì đấy?What is mommy doing?
Example conversation
A young boy is talking to his mother in the living room.
- MinhMẹ ơi, con muốn ăn kẹo.Mommy, I want to eat candy.
- MaiLát nữa mẹ sẽ cho con ăn nhé.Mommy will give it to you in a bit, okay?
- MinhThật không hả mẹ?Really, mommy?
- MaiThật mà, Minh ngoan nhé.Really, be a good boy, Minh.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mẹ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
