What does it mean word for word?
μήτηρ is a feminine noun of the third declension. Its root appears in the genitive μητρός (metros), which gives English the prefix 'metro-' in words like 'metropolis', literally 'mother city'.
Which one should you use?
The affectionate form μάμμη (mamme) existed too, closer to 'mama', used by small children, while μήτηρ is the plain, standard word.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
μήτηρ fits any register, from a child speaking to a parent to formal genealogies in historical writing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word and its declension pattern appear consistently across Homeric epic, Attic tragedy and classical prose.
How does it change in a sentence?
μήτηρ declines irregularly: nominative μήτηρ, genitive μητρός, dative μητρί, accusative μητέρα.
How do you pronounce it?
μήτηρ has a long eta in the first syllable, pronounced close to 'MAY-ter' in the reconstructed classical pronunciation.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Learners sometimes misapply the regular first declension pattern to μήτηρ, which actually follows an irregular third declension pattern.
When do people say it?
Mother goddesses such as Δημήτηρ, Demeter, carry the same root, since her name is often explained as a form meaning 'Mother Earth' or 'Grain Mother'.
Did you know?
- The genitive form μητρός gives English the prefix 'metro-', so 'metropolis' literally means 'mother city'.
- The goddess Demeter's name, Δημήτηρ, likely combines this very word for mother with a root tied to grain or earth.
Examples in context
- ἡ μήτηρ μου καλή ἐστιν.he meter mou kale estin.My mother is good.
- ἀγαπῶ τὴν μητέρα μου.agapo ten metera mou.I love my mother.
- ἡ μήτηρ τὸν παῖδα καλεῖ.he meter ton paida kalei.The mother calls the child.
Example conversation
A boy named Nikias speaks with his friend Thales about their mothers.
- Nikiasποῦ ἐστιν ἡ μήτηρ σου?pou estin he meter sou?Where is your mother?
- Thalesἡ μήτηρ μου ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ ἐστίν.he meter mou en to oiko estin.My mother is at home.
- Nikiasἡ ἐμὴ μήτηρ ἐν ἀγορᾷ ἐστίν.he eme meter en agora estin.My mother is at the market.
- Thalesἴωμεν πρὸς αὐτήν.iomen pros auten.Let us go to her.
