mami
/ˈmami/
The Spanish word for "mommy" is mami.
mami is an affectionate term similar to the English "mommy". It can be used by children to address their mother or by adults as a term of endearment. Additionally, mi mamá is the phrase used to mean "my mommy".
Which one should you use?
While mami is an affectionate term like "mommy", mamá is the more standard and neutral way to say "mom".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mami is an informal and affectionate diminutive. Mamá can also be used as an informal address for your mother.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form mamita is a diminutive often used in Latin America.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmami/
Did you know?
- In many Caribbean and Latin American cultures, mami is used as a flirtatious or affectionate term for a girlfriend or a beautiful woman, completely unrelated to motherhood.
- Depending on the region, mami can be used by parents to address their own young daughters as a term of endearment.
- The use of mami as a romantic term can be perceived as overly aggressive or inappropriate in Spain, whereas it is commonplace in the Caribbean.
Examples in context
- Se lo di a mi mami.I gave it to my mommy.This sentence shows the use of mami to refer to one's mother.Tatoeba #3270706 by cueyayotl, translation #255676 by CM
- Guácala, mami y papi están besándose.Ugh, mommy and daddy are kissing.This sentence shows how mami is used when talking about parents.Tatoeba #9171238 by ignacio, translation #9171225 by coyo7e
- ¿Ayudaste a mami?You helped Mommy?This sentence shows mami being used as a direct address.Tatoeba #4484461 by cueyayotl, translation #32492 by CM
- Hola, mamá. ¿Cómo estás?Hello, mommy. How are you?
- Feliz día de la madre, mamita hermosa.Happy Mother's Day, beautiful mommy.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel is asking his mother for a snack.
- DanielMami, tengo mucha hambre.Mommy, I am very hungry.
- María¿Quieres una manzana, Daniel?Do you want an apple, Daniel?
- DanielSí, mami, por favor.Yes, mommy, please.
- MaríaAquí tienes, cariño.Here you go, honey.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mami, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
