ma mère s'appelle
To say my mother's name is in French, use ma mère s'appelle, followed by her name.
French speakers use this verb rather than a word for word phrase with the noun for name, which sounds less natural.
What does it mean word for word?
Word for word, ma mère s'appelle means my mother calls herself.
Which one should you use?
Ma maman s'appelle is a warmer, more childlike version, like saying my mom's name is.
Did you know?
- In French, using the noun for 'name' nom instead of the verb s'appelle can make a conversation feel like a police interrogation or a bureaucratic appointment.
- In French, referring to one's mother as ma maman is common for children, but adults using it in formal settings might be perceived as being overly sentimental or 'cutesy'.
- The word mère comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *méh₂tēr, which is why it sounds similar to 'mother' in English and 'mater' in Latin.
Examples in context
- Le prénom de ma mère est Anne.The first name of my mother is Anne.
- Ma mère s'appelle Sophie.My mother's name is Sophie.
- Ma mère s'appelle Marie.My mother's name is Marie.
- Ma mère s'appelle Sophie, et elle est très gentille.My mother's name is Sophie, and she is very kind.
- Est-ce que tu sais comment ma mère s'appelle ?Do you know what my mother's name is?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families.
- GabrielMa mère s'appelle Alice, et toi ?My mother's name is Alice, and you?
- ChloéMa mère s'appelle Catherine.My mother's name is Catherine.
- GabrielElle est française, ta mère ?Is your mother French?
- ChloéOui, elle est française.Yes, she is French.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ma, mère, CC BY-SA 4.0.
