மாமா
māmā/mɑːmɑː/
In Tamil, the word for uncle can be expressed in several ways. The default form is மாமா (māmā). Wiktionary also lists பெரியப்பா (periyappā) and சித்தப்பா (cittappā).
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tamil | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| மாமா | māmā | /mɑːmɑː/ |
| பெரியப்பா | periyappā | /pɛɾɪjɐpːɑː/ |
| சித்தப்பா | cittappā |
The terms for uncle in Tamil are specific to the person's relationship to your parents. மாமா, பெரியப்பா and சித்தப்பா are used to denote familial roles.
Which one should you use?
பெரியப்பா is used specifically for a father's elder brother, while சித்தப்பா is used specifically for a father's younger brother. மாமா typically refers to a maternal uncle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term மாமா can be used as a respectful way to address an older man who is not a blood relative.
How do you pronounce it?
māmā (/mɑːmɑː/)
When do people say it?
In many Tamil communities, மாமா refers to a maternal uncle. In certain contexts, it can also be used as a colloquial term for a man in a romantic or flirtatious way.
Did you know?
- The word மாமா is a linguistic bridge between language families, as it is believed the Sanskrit word māma was borrowed from the Dravidian family.
- The word பெரியப்பா literally translates to 'big father', reflecting the belief that an elder brother of one's father holds the status of a second father.
- While மாமா generally means maternal uncle, it can also be used for a father's sister's husband.
Examples in context
- என் மாமா ஒரு மருத்துவர்.en māma oru maruttuvar.My uncle is a doctor.
- மாமா எனக்குப் பரிசு கொடுத்தார்.māma enakkup parisu koṭuttār.Uncle gave me a gift.
Example conversation
Vijay and Priya are talking about a family visit.
- விஜய் Vijayபிரியா, உன்னுடைய மாமா எப்போது வருவார்?Priya, unnudaiya maama eppodhu varuvaar?Priya, when will your uncle arrive?
- பிரியா Priyaஅவர் நாளைக்கு வருவார், விஜய்.Avar naalaikku varuvaar, Vijay.He will come tomorrow, Vijay.
- விஜய் Vijayஅவர் உங்களுக்குப் பிடித்தமானவரா?Avar ungalukku pidikkamanavara?Is he your favorite?
- பிரியா Priyaஆம், என் மாமா மிகவும் அன்பானவர்.Aam, en maama migavum anbaanavar.Yes, my uncle is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries மாமா, பெரியப்பா, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries பெரியப்பா, மாமா, CC BY-SA 4.0.
