How to Say "Mom" in Different Languages

No matter where you're from or what language you speak, the word "mom" often holds a special place in many cultures. For many, it's one of the very first words they learn, as it can represent care, comfort, guidance, or simply an important figure in someone's life. 

But how do people around the world say "mom"? You might be surprised to see how similar the word sounds across different languages! In this article, we'll explore the different ways to say “mom” in different languages, share a bit of cultural insight, and offer easy tips to help you remember them.

Why "mom" sounds similar in many languages

Have you noticed that words like "Mama," "Maman," or "Mamá" look and sound similar in so many languages? This is not a coincidence.

Linguists claim that babies can easily say the sounds "m" and "a" when they are very young. That's why words like "ma" or "mama" are common for mothers. Over time, these baby sounds became real words in many languages.

So, the word "Mom" is one of the most shared and special words in the world!

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Words for "mom" in other languages

Let's explore how people say "mom" in different languages, starting with Europe and moving through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Indigenous cultures.

How to say "mom" in European languages

Europe is home to many languages, but a common thread in many of them is a version of "ma" or "mama." This similarity makes it easier for language learners to pick up new versions of the word.

From French to Ukrainian, here's how different European languages say "Mom":

• English: Mom or Mother
• Spanish: Mamá (/mah-MAH/) or Madre (/MAH-dray/) 
• French: Maman (/mah-MAHN/) 
• Italian: Mamma (/MAHM-mah/) 
• German: Mama (/MAH-mah/) or Mutti (/MOO-tee/) 
• Portuguese: Mãe (/MY/) or Mamãe (/mah-MY-ee/) 
• Dutch: Moeder (/MOO-dur/) or Mama (/MAH-mah/) 
• Latvian: Mamma (/MAHM-mah/)
• Greek: Μαμά (Mama) (/mah-MAH/) 
• Polish: Mama (/MAH-mah/) or Mamusia (/mah-MOO-shah/) 
• Swedish: Mamma (/MAHM-mah/) 
• Norwegian: Mamma (/MAHM-mah/) 
• Finnish: Äiti (/EYE-tee/) 
• Czech: Maminka (/mah-MEEN-kah/) or Máma (/MAH-mah/) 
• Hungarian: Anya (/AHN-yah/) or Anyu (/AHN-yoo/) 
• Romanian: Mamă (/MAH-muh/) or Mama (MAHM-mah/) 
• Ukrainian: Мама (Mama) (/MAHM-mah/) 

Many of these use a variation of "ma," making it easier to remember for children and beginners alike.

How to say "mom" in Asian languages

Asia is incredibly diverse, and it is home to hundreds of languages. Here's how to say "Mom" in some of the most widely spoken ones:

• Mandarin Chinese: 妈妈 (Māma) (/MAH-mah/) 
• Cantonese: 媽媽 (Ma Ma) (/MAH-mah/) 
• Japanese: お母さん (Okaasan) (/oh-KAH-san/) 
• Korean: 엄마 (Eomma) (/UHM-mah/) 
• Hindi: माँ (Maa) (/MAH/) or मम्मी (Mummy) (/MUM-mee/) 
• Bengali: মা (Ma) (/MAH/) 
• Tamil: அம்மா (Amma) (/AHM-mah/) 
• Telugu: అమ్మ (Amma) (/AHM-mah/) 
• Tagalog (Filipino): Nanay (/NAH-nai/) or Inay (/EE-nai/) 
• Thai: แม่ (Mâe) (/MEH-uh/) 
• Vietnamese: Mẹ (/MEH/) or Má (/MAH/) 
• Indonesian: Ibu (/EE-boo/) or Mama (/MAH-mah/) 
• Malay: Ibu (/EE-boo/) or Emak (/uh-MAHK/) 

Many of these languages also use "mama," "amma," or "ma" as a soft and affectionate form, often used by children.

How to say "mom" in African languages

Africa is rich in languages and cultures. Despite this diversity, many African languages use forms of "Mama," showing global patterns of language development. Here are just a few ways to say "mom":

• Swahili: Mama (/MAH-mah/) 
• Zulu: Umama (/oo-MAH-mah/) 
• Xhosa: Umama (/oo-MAH-mah/) 
• Amharic (Ethiopia): እናቱ (Enatu) (/eh-NAH-too/) or እናት (Enat) (/EH-naht/) 
• Somali: Hooyo (/HOH-yoh/) 
• Yoruba (Nigeria): Iya (/EE-yah/) 
• Igbo (Nigeria): Nne (/NEH/) 
• Hausa (Nigeria): Uwa (/OO-wah/) or Mama (/MAH-mah/) 

Words like "Mama" or "Umama" show how love for mothers is expressed in similar ways across many African communities.

How to say "mom" in Middle Eastern languages

In the Middle East, many languages have ancient roots and share similar sounds and scripts. The word for "mom" here can vary from formal to affectionate:

• Arabic: أم (Umm) (/OOM/) or ماما (Mama) (/MAH-mah/) 
• Hebrew: אמא (Ima) (/EE-mah/) 
• Persian (Farsi): مامان (Maman) (/MAH-mahn/) or مادر (Madar) (/MAH-dar/) 
• Turkish: Anne (/AHN-neh/) or Anacığım (/ah-nah-JUHM/) 
• Kurdish: Dê (/DAY/) or Dayik (/DAH-yeek/) 
• Pashto: مور (Mor) (/MOOR/) 

Words like "Mama" and "Ima" are commonly used at home, while more formal versions, such as "Umm" or "Madar," are used in more respectful settings.

How to say "mom" in Indigenous and other languages

Some of the world's most beautiful and culturally rich languages come from Indigenous communities. Though they may be less spoken globally, their words carry deep meaning:

• Hawaiian: Makuahine (/mah-koo-ah-HEE-neh/) or Mama (/MAH-mah/) 
• Maori (New Zealand): Whaea (/FYE-ah/) 
• Inuit (Canada/Greenland): Anaana (/ah-NAH-nah/) 
• Cherokee (Native American): Etsi (/ET-see/) 
• Nahuatl (Mexico): Nantli (/NAHNT-lee/) 
• Quechua (Peru): Mama (/MAH-mah/) 

These words reflect deep respect for family and tradition. In many of these cultures, mothers hold a central, honored role in daily life.

Colloquial and slang words for "mother" in other languages

In everyday conversations, people often use casual, affectionate, or slang terms for "mom" that aren't always found in textbooks. These words show closeness and emotional warmth — and sometimes even humor! 

Let's take a look at a few examples of how different cultures say "Mom" informally:

• English: Ma, Mama, Mumsy, Mumsy-bear, or Mum (UK and Australia).
• Spanish: Mami (/MAH-mee/), Má (/MAH/), and Mamacita (/mah-mah-SEE-tah/) (Sometimes playful or flirtatious. Not always used for one's real mom).
• French: Maman (/mah-MAhn/) or Mamounette (/mah-moo-NETT/).
• German: Mama (/MAH-mah/), Mutti (/MOO-tee/), or Mutsch (/MOOTCH/).
• Italian: Mammina (/mahm-MEE-nah/).
• Portuguese: Mãezinha (/ma-eh-ZEEN-yah/).
• Japanese: お母ちゃん (Okaachan) (/oh-KAH-chan/), ママ (Mama) (/MAH-mah/), or Haha (/HAH-hah/) (Used when talking about one's mom, not directly to her).
• Korean: 엄마야 (Eommaya) (/UHM-mah-yah/) or 맘마 (Mamma) (/MAHM-mah/).
• Hindi: Mummy (/MUM-mee/), Ma / Maa (/MAH/), or Amma (/AHM-mah/).
• Swahili: Mami (/MAH-mee/).

These casual and regional variations of "Mom" add flavor and emotional depth to conversations. Whether you're writing a sweet message or chatting with family, using the local or slang version of "Mom" can show closeness and care.

Tips to remember the word "mom" in different languages

If you're learning a new language or want to be multilingual in your love for your mom, here are a few tips to help you remember:

1. Group by sound: A lot of languages use similar sounds for "mom" — like "ma," "mama," "maman," or "mamma." You can group these together when studying so they're easier to remember.
2. Make flashcards: Use a picture of your own mom (or a family photo) and write the word for "mom" in your target language. This visual connection makes the word more meaningful — and more memorable!
3. Use it in a sentence: Practice saying "I love my mom" or "Where is mom?" in the new language. You can even write a short paragraph or record yourself saying it aloud.
4. Sing songs: Children's songs and lullabies often include the word for "mom" in different languages. Music makes learning more fun, and melodies help lock the words into your memory.
5. Say it out loud daily: Saying a word aloud — daily or even several times a day — improves both memory and pronunciation.

The word "mom" often carries strong feelings of love and warmth. With just a few minutes a day, you can become multilingual in one of the most meaningful words in any language. Keep practicing — and maybe surprise your mom by saying "I love you, Mom" in other languages!

Practicing with the Promova platform

Now that we know how to say the words “mom” and “mother” in different languages, it’s important to keep going and strengthen our overall skills in the language we are trying to learn.

Promova is the perfect platform for practicing vocabulary like family words — including "mom" — in context. Here's how Promova will help you:

• You can learn family vocabulary through theme-based lessons.
• Practice pronunciation with AI-powered speaking tools.
• Review new words and phrases with flashcards and smart quizzes.
• Use the word "mom" in real-life contexts through AI role-play conversations.
• Explore language and culture together with engaging, real-world examples.

Promova makes learning feel natural, warm, and personal — just like the word "mom" itself!

Final thoughts

Whether you say "mama," "maman," "amma," or "okaasan," you're sharing one of the most special human connections. Learning how to say "mother" in other languages helps you grow your vocabulary and understand other cultures.

Why not learn a few words today? Use the Promova app to greet your mom in a new language. Explore the world through new words — and keep your heart open to the beautiful ways to say "Thank you, Mom" in all languages.