gracias, mamá
/ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas maˈma/word by word
The English phrase "thanks mom" is translated into Spanish as gracias, mamá.
The phrase is used to express gratitude to one's mother.
Which one should you use?
It is important to include the accent on the final a in mamá. Without this accent, the word mama refers to a breast or mammary gland instead of the familial title.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, a comma is required before the person being addressed (the vocative) when using a name or title like mamá.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas maˈma/]. The stress is on the first syllable of the four-syllable phrase.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not omit the accent mark on the word mamá, as this changes the meaning from "mom" to a biological term.
Did you know?
- In several Caribbean cultures, the word mamá is used as a generic term of affection for any woman who provides nurturing care, meaning you might hear gracias, mamá spoken to a non-relative.
- The word mamá is an adaptation of the French word maman.
- The word gracias shares a root with the English word 'grace', as both derive from the Latin word grātia, meaning favor or pleasure.
Examples in context
- ¡Gracias, mamá!Thanks, Mom.This sentence is useful for learning how to say gracias, mamá.Tatoeba #5056390 by don_ramon, translation #2654867 by Hybrid
- Quiero expresar mi más sincero agradecimiento, mamá.I want to express my sincere gratitude, Mom.
- Te agradezco un montón, mamá.I appreciate you a lot, Mom.
- Mamá, quiero darte las gracias por todo.Mom, I want to thank you for everything.
- Estoy muy agradecido/a contigo, mamá.I am very grateful to you, Mom.
- Gracias, mamá, por el regalo.Thanks, mom, for the gift.
- Gracias, mamá, por la cena.Thanks, mom, for the dinner.
Example conversation
Alejandro is helping his mother in the kitchen.
- LucíaTen, Alejandro, aquí tienes tu jugo.Here, Alejandro, here is your juice.
- AlejandroGracias, mamá, se ve muy refrescante.Thanks, mom, it looks very refreshing.
- LucíaDe nada, hijo. Bebe todo.You're welcome, son. Drink it all.
- AlejandroLo haré, gracias, mamá.I will, thanks, mom.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (gracias, mamá) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gracias, mamá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
