manman
noun, neutral
The Haitian Creole word for "mother" is manman. It is used both for "mom" and for the more formal "mother".
Say manman m for "my mother" and manman l for "his mother" or "her mother". The word works in polite and everyday speech alike.
Meaning: mother (phrase)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Haitian Creole has no separate formal word for mother. For more respect you add a title like Madanm before the name when talking about someone else's mother.
Did you know?
- The same word manman is used in most family settings, with mama as the casual alternative.
Examples in context
- Manman m se enfimyè.My mother is a nurse.
- Ki non manman ou?What is your mother's name?
- Manman l malad.His mother is sick.
Example conversation
A teacher, Mèt Paul, meets a student's mother at a school meeting.
- PaulBonjou Madanm, ou se manman Jak?Good morning Madam, are you Jak's mother?
- ManmanWi, mwen se manman l.Yes, I am his mother.
- PaulRavi pou m rankontre w.Nice to meet you.
