What does it mean word for word?
The word kochira literally means "this direction" but is used as a polite way to say "this person" when introducing someone. The phrase 私の uses the particle no as a possessive marker, linking the pronoun watashi (I/me) to the noun to create "my mother".
Which one should you use?
The word haha is used to refer to one's own mother when speaking to someone outside the family, whereas okaasan is used when addressing her directly or speaking about someone else's mother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase こちらは私の母です uses the polite demonstrative kochira and the polite copula desu, making it appropriate for formal introductions. mama is a playful term for mother used in informal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle no functions as a possessive marker, linking the pronoun watashi (I/me) to the noun haha (mother) to create "my mother".
How do you pronounce it?
kochira wa watashi no haha desu
Did you know?
- When introducing your mother, you use the humble term haha instead of the polite okaasan. This is part of a linguistic system called 'uchi-soto' (inside-outside), where you lower your own family's status to show respect to the listener.
- The word kochira is part of a set of four directional words. Using these directions to refer to people instead of 'this person' or 'that person' is a cultural way to maintain a polite distance.
- When introducing haha to a superior or a client, Japanese speakers often drop the word watashi no entirely. Since the speaker is talking about their own family, the possessive 'my' is implied and omitting it shows greater modesty.
Examples in context
- こちらは私の母です。Kochira wa watashi no haha desu.This is my mother.
- 結衣、こちらは私の母です。Yui, kochira wa watashi no haha desu.Yui, this is my mother.
- 初めまして。こちらは私の母です。Hajimemashite. Kochira wa watashi no haha desu.Nice to meet you. This is my mother.
Example conversation
Yui introduces her mother to her friend Yota at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui陽太さん、こちらは私の母です。Yōta-san, kochira wa watashi no haha desu.Yota, this is my mother.
- 陽太 Yotaはじめまして。よろしくお願いします。Hajimemashite. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you. It is a pleasure.
- 結衣 Yui母、こちらは友達の陽太さんです。Haha, kochira wa tomodachi no Yōta-san desu.Mother, this is my friend Yota.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんにはいつもお世話になっています。Yui-san ni wa itsumo o-sewa ni natte imasu.Yui is always very helpful to me.
