madre
/ˈmadɾe/feminine
The Spanish word for mother is madre.
madre refers to a female human who gives birth to or parents a child.
Meaning: female (human) who gives birth to or parents a child (noun)
Which one should you use?
While madre can be used to refer to one's own mother, it is also used in a more clinical or formal sense to denote a biological relationship.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
madre is the standard, neutral and formal term. For more informal contexts, you can use mamá to say mom or mommy or the highly affectionate and intimate mami for mommy. In Latin American countries, the endearing term mamita is also used regularly to say mom.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term mamita is used regularly in Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
madre is a feminine noun. When referring to a specific mother, it is preceded by the feminine article la (la madre). To express the plural, use madres.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmadɾe/
Did you know?
- In certain slang contexts in Mexico, the word madre is extremely versatile and can be used to mean anything from 'nothing' to 'something excellent' or even 'to hit someone'.
- In some regions, saying ¡Tu madre! as a standalone exclamation is used as a sharp, aggressive insult during an argument.
- The English word 'matron', meaning a dignified woman or a housekeeper in a hospital, shares the same ancient ancestor as madre.
Examples in context
- Mi madre me ama.I am loved by my mother.This sentence is useful for expressing that one's madre loves them.Tatoeba #1546380 by marcelostockle, translation #1164896 by cntrational
- Esa es su madre.That's his mother.This sentence is useful for identifying someone's madre.Tatoeba #8637006 by pcarolina, translation #8319162 by Amastan
- Ésta es mi madre.This is my mother.This sentence is useful for introducing one's madre.Tatoeba #702614 by Shishir, translation #413771 by Scott
- Mi madre es una persona maravillosaMy mother is a wonderful person.
- Gracias, mamá, por todo tu apoyoThank you, mom, for all your support.
- ¡Hola, mamá! ¿Cómo estás?Hi, mom! How are you?
- Quiero un abrazo, mamiI want a hug, mommy.
- Te quiero mucho, mamitaI love you so much, mom.
- Mamá Ana, ¿me puedes ayudar?Mom Ana, can you help me?
- Mi madre es una mujer muy trabajadora.My mother is a hardworking woman.
- Cuando hablo con mamá por teléfono, siempre me da buenos consejos.When I talk to my mom on the phone, she always gives me good advice.
- Mamá, ¿quieres salir a cenar conmigo esta noche?Mom, do you want to go out to dinner with me tonight?
- ¡Feliz cumpleaños, mami! Eres la mejor madre del mundo.Happy birthday, mommy! You're the best mother in the world.
- Mamita, ¿me puedes contar un cuento antes de dormir?Mommy, can you tell me a story before bedtime?
- Mamá Julia, ¿has visto mis llaves?Mom Julia, have you seen my keys?
- 1045 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families during lunch.
- JavierTu madre es muy simpática.Your mother is very kind.
- SofíaGracias, Javier, ella es la mejor.Thanks, Javier, she is the best.
- Javier¿Cómo está tu madre hoy?How is your mother today?
- SofíaElla está muy bien, gracias.She is doing very well, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother” translations and entries madre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries madre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
