tu mamá
/tu mama/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'your mum' is translated into Spanish as tu mamá.
The phrase is used to refer to the mother of the person you are speaking to.
Which one should you use?
tu mamá is a common and straightforward way to express 'your mum' informally. For a more formal way to refer to someone's mother, you can use Su madre.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the phrase Tu vieja is used between friends to refer to someone's mother in a playful or familiar way.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the possessive adjective and the noun must change to tus mamás.
How do you pronounce it?
/tu mama/
Did you know?
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, referring to someone's mother as tu jefa is a popular slang term, which literally translates to 'your boss'.
- Using the phrase tu mamá in a heated argument in some Latin American cultures can be a much more serious insult than it is in English, often perceived as a direct provocation.
- In some regions, using tu vieja to mean 'your mum' is not an insult but a term of endearment, though it literally translates to 'your old woman'.
Examples in context
- Hablas como tu mamá.You speak like your mum.This sentence is useful for comparing how someone speaks to their mother.Tatoeba #6313870 by baudelaire, translation #6321949 by robbieheslop
- Saluda a tu mamá de mi parte.Say hello to your mum for me.This sentence is useful for sending greetings to someone's mother.Tatoeba #1554349 by marcelostockle, translation #337983 by sysko
- Háblale a tu madreTalk to your mother.
- Dígale a su madreTell your mother.
- Dile a tu mamá que llegaremos tardeTell your mum we'll be late.
- Salí con tu viejaI went out with your mum.
- Tu madre tiene un gran sentido del humor.Your mother has a great sense of humor.
- Su madre siempre es muy amable.Your mother is always very kind.
- Dile a tu mamá que venga a recogerte.Tell your mum to come pick you up.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are catching up over coffee.
- SofíaHola Alejandro, ¿cómo está tu mamá?Hi Alejandro, how is your mum?
- AlejandroElla está muy bien, gracias por preguntar.She is doing very well, thanks for asking.
- SofíaMe alegra mucho escuchar eso.I am very happy to hear that.
- AlejandroEres muy amable, Sofía.You are very kind, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
