¿qué pasa, mami?
/ˈke ˈpasa ˈmami/word by word
¿qué pasa, mami? is the Spanish way to say "wassup mami".
This phrase is an informal greeting used to ask how someone is doing. It often incorporates a term of endearment for a woman. While the term mami literally translates to "mommy," it is frequently used casually to refer to a girl or a woman.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase ¿qué pasa, mami? is highly informal. It is typically used in casual, street-level or flirtatious contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈke ˈpasa ˈmami/
Did you know?
- The word pasa in the phrase comes from a root meaning 'to pass', but in a different context it refers to a 'raisin', which comes from the Latin word for a 'spread grape'.
- In certain Latin American slang, the phrase ¿qué pasa? can sometimes be used to challenge someone's behavior, shifting from a friendly 'what's up' to a confrontational 'what is your problem?'
- While mami is used for women, the equivalent greeting for men often uses papi, which similarly evolved from 'daddy' to a general term for a friend or attractive man.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, Mami! ¿Cómo te va?Hi, Mami! How's it going?
- ¿Qué onda, Mami? ¿Hacemos algo esta tarde?What's up, Mami? Wanna do something this afternoon?
- Oye, ¿qué pasa, mami?Hey, what's up, mami?
- Dime, ¿qué pasa, mami?Tell me, what's up, mami?
Example conversation
Daniel sees Elena walking towards him at a cafe.
- Daniel¿Qué pasa, mami?Wassup, mami?
- ElenaNada, solo voy a la tienda.Nothing, I'm just going to the store.
- DanielEstá bien, nos vemos luego.Alright, see you later.
- ElenaChao, Daniel.Bye, Daniel.
