μάνα
mánacolloquial, feminine
The English word "mother" is translated into Greek as μάνα (mána). Wiktionary also lists μητέρα (mitéra).
Meaning: female (human) who gives birth to or parents a child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| μάνα | mána | colloquial, feminine | |
| μητέρα | mitéra | /miˈtera/ | feminine |
The terms refer to a female human who gives birth to or parents a child.
Which one should you use?
μητέρα is the standard term, while μάνα is a colloquial version similar to 'mom' or 'mama' in English. Additionally, μανούλα can be used as an affectionate way to refer to one's mother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
μητέρα is the standard, more formal term used in most official or respectful contexts. μάνα is a more colloquial and affectionate term, and μανούλα is specifically an informal, affectionate term.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of μητέρα is μητέρες, and the plural form of μάνα is μάνες.
How do you pronounce it?
mána
Did you know?
- The colloquial term μάνα actually derives from the Ancient Greek word for 'grandmother', μάμμη, rather than a direct word for 'mother'.
- The word μητέρα shares a prehistoric root with the English word 'mother' and the Latin 'mater' through the Proto-Indo-European word *méh₂tēr.
- In some traditional Greek villages, μάνα is used not only for a biological mother but as a term of respect for any older woman who provides care for the community.
Examples in context
- Ήρθε η μητέρα μου.My mother came.This sentence shows how to use μητέρα to refer to one's own mother.Tatoeba #7776075 by eypros, translation #7775972 by Mohamedzakaria
- Αγαπάτε τη μητέρα σας;Do you love your mother?This sentence uses μητέρα in a question about loving one's mother.Tatoeba #3984532 by Zeus, translation #3982160 by Balamax
- Δεν ήμουν καλή μητέρα.I was not a good mother.This sentence uses μητέρα to describe oneself as a mother.Tatoeba #5562131 by Zeus, translation #320620 by CK
- Η μητέρα μου είναι εξαιρετική.My mother is amazing.
- Μαμά, με προβληματίζεις πάντα.Mom, you always worry me.
- Χρόνια πολλά, μανούλα μου!Happy birthday, my dear mom!
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and George are talking about their families.
- Μαρία MariaΠού είναι η μάνα σου;Pou einai i mana sou?Where is your mother?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΗ μάνα μου είναι στο σπίτι.I mana mou einai sto spiti.My mother is at home.
- Μαρία MariaΘέλεις να την επισκεφτούμε;Theleis na tin episkeftoume?Do you want us to visit her?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, θα χαράσει πολύ.Nai, tha charasei poly.Yes, she will be very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother” translations and entries μάνα, μητέρα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μάνα, μητέρα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
