Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| matka | /ˈmat.ka/ /ˈmat.ka/ (Middle, Polish) |
feminine |
| mamusia | /maˈmu.ɕa/ | |
| mateczka | ||
| matuś | /ˈma.tuɕ/ | |
| mama | /ˈma.ma/ /ˈma.ma/ (Middle, Polish) |
feminine |
| mać | /ˈmat͡ɕ/ /ˈmat͡ɕ/ (Middle, Polish) |
archaic, feminine |
The term refers to a female human who gives birth to or parents a child. In biological or medical contexts, matka is used to refer to the female parent, such as in the phrase matka biologiczna for biological mother.
Which one should you use?
matka is a formal or biological term used in official contexts or when speaking about mothers in a general, detached sense. In contrast, mama is the standard, affectionate term used by both children and adults when addressing or referring to their own mother, similar to saying 'mom' or 'mommy'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
matka is the formal or biological form. mama is the informal and standard way to say 'mother' or 'mom'. Diminutives like mamusia express extra affection and are used by children or by adults in a very tender, sometimes slightly patronizing way. The form mać is archaic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word matka changes to matki in the genitive singular case, which is required after certain prepositions or to show possession.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmat.ka/ (two syllables, stress on the first)
Did you know?
- The archaic form mać is now used almost exclusively in Polish swear words and aggressive insults.
- Polish uses the word matka to refer to the 'mother' of a vinegar culture, known as matka octowa.
- The Polish word mama shares a deep ancestral root with the Proto-Indo-European sound *méh₂meh₂, which mimics the first sounds human infants make.
Examples in context
- To jest moja mama.This is my mother.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the informal form mama.Tatoeba #8508653 by nusia2302, translation #413771 by Scott
- Gdzie jest moja matka?Where's my mother?This sentence is useful for showing how to use the formal/standard form matka.Tatoeba #3872106 by jeedrek, translation #2254647 by CK
- Wygląda jak jej matka.She looks just like her mother.Tatoeba #6154936 by arie, translation #2661902 by WestofEden
- Mam zawsze wielki szacunek dla mojej matki.I always have a great respect for my mother.
- Zawsze mogę liczyć na moją mamę.I can always count on my mom.
- Mamo, możemy iść na spacer?Mom, can we go for a walk?
- 154 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Małgorzata are talking about their family histories.
- KrzysztofTwoja matka pochodzi z Krakowa?Does your mother come from Krakow?
- MałgorzataTak, moja matka urodziła się tam.Yes, my mother was born there.
- KrzysztofTo piękne miasto.That is a beautiful city.
- MałgorzataZgadzam się, ona bardzo je lubi.I agree, she likes it very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother” translations and entries matka, mamusia, matuś, mama, mać, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mama, mamusia, matka, mać, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
