Ways to say it
| Romanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mamă | /ˈma.mə/ | feminine |
| maică | /ˈmaj.kə/ | feminine |
The word mamă is the standard, neutral term for a female human who parents a child and is the direct equivalent of the English word "mother".
Which one should you use?
While mamă is the neutral, standard term used in most contexts, maică is a more specialized form used for different purposes.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mamă is used in general and neutral contexts. In contrast, maică carries a more traditional, religious or archaic tone and is used to refer to a nun or an older woman in a respectful way.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term maică can be used in a regional context to address an older woman.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both mamă and maică are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈma.mə/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
When do people say it?
The term maică is often used in religious settings to refer to a nun, or as a respectful, somewhat archaic way to address an older woman.
Did you know?
- The Romanian mamă shares its root with the Latin mamma, which originally referred to the breast.
- In certain rural regions, maică is used as a term of endearment or respect for elderly women in the community regardless of their religious status.
Examples in context
- Un copil are nevoie de o mamă.A child needs a mother.This sentence shows how to express a child's need for a mother using mamă.Tatoeba #4843682 by elenacristina260, translation #4839931 by adamtrousers
- Statul vă poate lua copiii dacă vă consideră o mamă nepotrivită.The state can take your children away if they deem you an unfit mother.This sentence uses mamă in a legal or judgmental context regarding parenting.Tatoeba #6871779 by elenacristina260, translation #1203265 by darinmex
- Toată lumea are un tată și o mamă.Everyone has a father and a mother.This sentence uses mamă to describe a universal family structure.Tatoeba #11611641 by carlosalberto, translation #11611634 by carlosalberto
- Mama mea este cea mai bună.My mother is the best.
- Unde este mama ta?Where is your mother?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Stefan and Elena are talking about their families.
- StefanUnde locuiește mama ta?Where does your mother live?
- ElenaMama mea locuiește în București.My mother lives in Bucharest.
- StefanEste ea o mamă foarte strictă?Is she a very strict mother?
- ElenaNu, ea este foarte blândă.No, she is very gentle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother” translations and entries mamă, maică, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maică, mamă, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
