แม่
mɛ̂ɛ/mɛː˥˩/
The English word "mother" is translated into Thai as แม่ (mɛ̂ɛ). Wiktionary also lists มารดา (maan-daa).
Meaning: female (human) who gives birth to or parents a child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| แม่ | mɛ̂ɛ | /mɛː˥˩/ |
| มารดา | maan-daa | /maːn˧.daː˧/ |
แม่ is the common word used to refer to a female human who gives birth to or parents a child. In a colloquial sense, แม่ can also be used as a prefix for many nouns to denote a 'main' or 'original' version of that thing, such as in the phrase for a main river.
Which one should you use?
แม่ is the everyday word for mother used in speech and casual writing. In contrast, มารดา is a high-register term used for the same meaning.
How do you pronounce it?
mɛ̂ɛ (/mɛː˥˩/)
Did you know?
- In LGBTQ+ culture in Thailand, แม่ is frequently used as a term of endearment or respect for a 'mentor' or 'diva' figure within the community.
- Thai uses แม่ as a classifier for certain patterns or molds, implying that the 'mother' is the master template used to create others.
- In Thailand, the term แม่ is often used as a respectful title for women of a certain age or status, even if they are not the speaker's parent.
Examples in context
- คุณเป็นแม่ที่ดีYou're a good mother.This sentence demonstrates the use of แม่ to describe a good mother.Tatoeba #8679070 by pastelite, translation #2547448 by CK
- แม่คุณสบายดีมั้ย?How is your mother?This sentence uses แม่ to ask about someone's mother.Tatoeba #7879071 by pastelite, translation #70949 by CK
- คุณไม่ใช่แม่ของฉันYou aren't my mother.This sentence uses แม่ to state that someone is not a person's mother.Tatoeba #7920758 by pastelite, translation #1841511 by CK
- มารดาของฉันเป็นครูที่โรงเรียนMy mother is a teacher at a school.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their family during lunch.
- พิมล Pimonแม่ของคุณสบายดีไหมคะ?mae khong khun sa-bai di mai kha?Is your mother doing well?
- วิทวัส Witthawatแม่ของผมสบายดีครับmae khong phom sa-bai di khrapMy mother is doing well.
- พิมล Pimonดีใจด้วยนะคะที่แม่คุณแข็งแรงdi-chai duai na kha thi mae khun khaeng-raengI am happy to hear your mother is healthy.
- วิทวัส Witthawatขอบคุณครับ พิมลkhop khun khrap, PhimonThank you, Phimon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother” translations and entries แม่, มารดา, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
