madre
standard
Mother is madre in standard Spanish, but Mexicans mostly say mamá or mi mamá when they talk about their mother in daily speech.
Meaning: a female parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| madre | standard |
| mamá | everyday, Mexico |
| mi mamá | everyday |
Madre is used in formal writing and on cards and in set phrases like Día de las Madres for Mother's Day.
What mistakes should you avoid?
In Mexican slang madre appears in many rude expressions. One example is mentar la madre, a strong insult, so be careful with the word outside of respectful use.
When do people say it?
Mother's Day falls on May 10 in Mexico.
Did you know?
- The saying ¡Qué padre! means "how great!" in Mexico, while madre appears in many slang phrases with opposite or rude meanings.
Examples in context
- Mi madre se llama Carmen.My mother is called Carmen.
- Mi mamá trabaja en un hospital.My mother works in a hospital.
- Felicidades a todas las madres.Congratulations to all mothers.
Example conversation
A girl introduces her mother to a teacher at a school event in Puebla.
- AlumnaMaestra, ella es mi mamá.Teacher, this is my mother.
- MaestraMucho gusto, señora.Nice to meet you, madam.
- MamáEl gusto es mío.The pleasure is mine.
