How do you say Mom in Spanish? 12 different options (2024)

Without question, our moms are incredibly important in our lives and families. They are the ones who give us life, nurture our growth, and provide the foundation for our existence, so of course everyone has a few sweet ways to refer to their mom in Spanish.

In Spanish-speaking cultures, the deep-seated love and reverence for mothers is a fundamental aspect of society. Their crucial role in our development and personal growth is invaluable. As their offspring, we recognize them for always being there for us with their endless love, selfless sacrifice, and unconditional affection.

Indeed, in Spanish, mothers often use sweet terms of endearment on their kids. Mijo and mijaare diminutives of mi hijoand mi hija, for example, meaning my sonand my daughter. But from the perspective of the kids, how do you say momin Spanish?

When it comes to articulating our emotions or addressing our mothers, the Spanish language provides a rich tapestry of terms, each carrying its own unique nuance of affection and respect. These terms can vary based on the region or the specific dialect of Spanish being used.

In this post, we’ll explore the various ways we address our cherished mothers in the Spanish-speaking world. We’ll learn different words for momin Spanish, from the formal motherin Spanish to a number of terms for momin Spanish slang. Let’s go!

Mamá: Mom in Spanish

Mamá is probably the first word a baby learns to say when learning to speak, and it’s the most standard form used in all Spanish-speaking countries.

In Latin America, the word mamáis used indistinctly by kids and adults. In other countries such as Spain, mamá is only used by kids, or by adults when talking to kids or referring to the kid’s mom.

• Iñaki, tell your momto come, please. – Iñaki, dile a tu mamáque venga, por favor.

• My momcooks the best empanadas in the world. – Mi mamáhace las mejores empanadas del mundo.

Madre: Mother in Spanish

Madrein Spanish is perhaps the most formal term we’ll see today, since it translates literally as motherrather than mom. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t express affection, though it does establish clear respect, especially in Latin America. In Spain, people use madreto refer to their mothers when speaking to another adult.

• Have you seen my motheraround here? – ¿Has visto a mi madrepor acá?

• Mother, you deserve all my respect. – Madre, mereces todo mi respeto.

Madrecita: Mom in Spanish

Madrecita is a term of affection, derived from the word madrebut in a diminutive form. In Spanish, we form diminutivesby adding the suffixes -itoand -itato indicate something smaller or endearing. With this in mind, madrecitais definitely considered a term of endearment in Spanish.

• My dear mom, I love you so much! – ¡Madrecitamía, cómo te quiero!

• That’s my mom, the best of all. – Esa es mimadrecita, la mejor de todas.

Mami: Mommy in Spanish

Mamiis another typical term of endearment when talking to our moms or when referring to them, as an equivalent of mommyin Spanish. If you ever see a Spanish-speaking mother with her child, we bet you’ll hear the word mamiat least once in their conversation.

• Mommy, help me get down the tree! – ¡Mami, ayúdame a bajar del árbol!

• My mommyis the best tennis player. – Mi mamies la mejor jugadora de tenis.

Mamita, Mamaíta: Mommy in Spanish

Mamitais the diminutiveform of mamá, so it’s another sweet term of endearment that kids use to name their beloved moms. Mamitais mainly used in Latin America, while mamaítais the equivalent word used in Spain.

• Mommywill come to visit us soon. – Mamitavendrá a visitarnos pronto.

• Thank you mommyfor all you’ve given to me. – Gracias mamita por todo lo que me has dado.

Mamacita: Momma in Spanish

Mamacitais widely used in Mexico and Central America. Keep in mind, however, that in those regions mamacitais also commonly used to refer to a girlfriendor a wife! Nonetheless, it’s still used as an informal term to express affection to mothers.

• My mommaalways waits for me with my dinner ready. – Mi mamacitasiempre me espera con la cena lista.

• Hey momma,I missed you! – ¡Hola, mamacita, te extrañé!

Ma: Short for Mamá

Mais the shortened formof mamáin Spanish. It’s extremely colloquial, and is usually used by kids when addressing their moms.

• Mom, may I go to the park today? – Ma, ¿puedo ir al parque hoy?

• Mom, tell Pedro to lend me his toy! – ¡Ma, dile a Pedro que me preste su juguete!

Amá: Another short form for Mamá

Amáis another informal and tender way of calling your mother in Spanish. This shortened form of mamáis mainly used in Mexico, but it’s also common enough in other countries around Central America.

• Mom, I don’t want to go to school today. – Amá, no quiero ir a la escuela hoy.

• I’m going to tell your momyou’ve behaved very badly. – Le voy a decir a tuamáque te has portado muy mal.

For more instances of clipped words like this, we have a full post on the practice, known as apocopation.

Mamucha: Mom in Spanish slang

Mamuchais one of those terms of endearment for our moms in Spanish that you’ll want to learn if you’re planning to visit or live in Argentina. For other vocab that’s unique to the country, check out our post on Argentinian slang.

• Mom, is lunch ready? – Mamucha, ¿ya está listo el almuerzo?

• You know I love you so much, mom. – Sabes que te quiero mucho, mamucha.

Vieja or Viejita: Mom in Spanish slang

Viejaand viejitamay translate literally as old ladyand little old lady, but these are nonetheless used to show affection to beloved mothers in Spanish. These two terms are common in Mexico and in several countries of South America such as Argentina and Uruguay.

• Mimomtold me I should study Law. – Mi viejame dijo que debía estudiar derecho.

• Mom, I’ve brought you the cake you like so much. – Viejita, te traje la torta que tanto te gusta.

Jefa: Mom in Spanish slang

You may recognize this term, or know its masculine version of jefe, since both translate directly as Boss in Spanish. In Mexican culture, jefais often used as a term of respect and endearment to refer to one’s mother, recognizing her as a person of higher rank or authority within the family. This term reflects the belief that mothers are seen as authoritative figures and role models within the household.

• Your motherhas told you that you can’t go out dancing tonight. – Tu jefate ha dicho que hoy no puedes salir a bailar.

• I don’t know anything about it. Ask yourmother. – Yo no sé nada. Pregúntale a tu jefa.

Jefita or Jefecita: Mom in Spanish slang

As you may already guess, these terms are diminutive variants of jefa. In English, they literally translate to little bossor little boss lady. This is a peculiar and unique way in Mexican slangto blend a tone of respect and affection when referring to your mom.

• My momalways buys everything in this supermarket. – Mi jefitasiempre compra en este supermercado.

• Your momhas always been good to me. – Tu jefecitasiempre ha sido muy buena conmigo.

Conclusion: Terms for Mom in Spanish

Mothers hold a special place in our hearts and lives, especially within Spanish-speaking cultures. Their unwavering love, sacrifice, and support are the pillars of our existence.

The Spanish language, with its rich variety of affectionate terms, offers us many beautiful ways to express our gratitude and love for our mothers through the different ways we address them.

We’re sure that today’s post has more than answered our initial question of “How do you say mom in Spanish?” Indeed, we’ve provided insight into the diverse ways we can appreciate and refer to our beloved mothers in Spanish.

Remember, each term carries its own unique sentiment, influenced by regional dialects and cultural nuances. So, the next time you address your mother, consider using one of these words for momin Spanish to convey your deep affection and respect!