¿qué pasa, mami?
/ˈke ˈpasa ˈmami/word by word
The English phrase "wassup shawty" can be translated into Spanish as ¿qué pasa, mami?
This phrase is an informal greeting used to address a young woman in a friendly or flirtatious manner. Although the word mami literally means "mommy," in this specific context it functions as a term of endearment for a woman and does not refer to one's actual mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ¿qué pasa? which means "what's happening" or "what's up" and mami which means "mommy."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This expression is highly informal and carries a street-slang or flirtatious connotation. Using mami in a formal setting or when addressing an older woman would be considered inappropriate or disrespectful.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈke ˈpasa ˈmami/
Did you know?
- While mami is the feminine term, men are often addressed as papi in the same street-slang context to denote a 'cool' or attractive man.
- The word qué traces its lineage back to the Latin 'quid', a direct ancestor of the English word 'what' through the evolution of the Proto-Indo-European root.
- In some Spanish-speaking urban cultures, the term mami is so common that it can even be used between close female friends as a way to show affection and solidarity.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿qué pasa, mami?Hey, wassup shawty?
- Oye, ¿qué pasa, mami?Hey, what's up shawty?
Example conversation
Daniel sees María at a party.
- MaríaHola, Daniel.Hi, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Qué pasa, mami?Wassup, shawty?
- MaríaNo pasa nada, estoy bien.Nothing's up, I'm doing well.
- DanielTe ves muy bien hoy.You look great today.
