ma maman s'appelle
The English phrase 'my mum is called' is translated into French as ma maman s'appelle.
This phrase is used to introduce the name of your mother.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ma maman s'appelle means 'my mum calls herself'.
Which one should you use?
While ma maman s'appelle uses the affectionate term for 'mum', you can also use ma mère s'appelle to say 'my mother is called'. If you want to add emphasis in informal speech, you can use the construction Ma mère, elle s'appelle.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase ma maman s'appelle is informal and sounds affectionate, much like using 'mum' or 'mom' in English. In contrast, using ma mère instead of ma maman makes the expression more formal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb s'appelle is the reflexive form of appeler, which is necessary in this context to indicate that the subject bears the name.
Did you know?
- The word maman shares a common ancestor with the Latin mamma, which refers to a woman's breast. This connection highlights the biological and nurturing origins of the term used in the phrase.
- While maman is used for children, many French adults continue to use ma maman throughout their lives to express a deep emotional bond.
- In French, the verb appeler does not just mean 'to call a name', but is also used for calling someone on the phone or shouting to get someone's attention.
Examples in context
- Ma mère s'appelle MarieMy mum is called Marie
- Le nom de ma mère est SophieMy mum's name is Sophie
- Ma maman s'appelle ManonMy mum is called Manon
- Ma mère, elle s'appelle SophieMy mum, she's called Sophie
- Ma maman s'appelle Marie.My mum is called Marie.
- Ma maman s'appelle Sophie et elle est très gentille.My mum is called Sophie and she is very kind.
- Est-ce que tu sais comment ma maman s'appelle ?Do you know what my mum is called?
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are talking about their families.
- HugoMa maman s'appelle Julie, et toi ?My mum is called Julie, and you?
- ChloéMa maman s'appelle Sarah.My mum is called Sarah.
- HugoElle est française, ta maman ?Is your mum French?
- ChloéOui, elle est française.Yes, she is French.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ma, maman, CC BY-SA 4.0.
