mamar
“mamar” means “to suckle” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to suckle, to nurse
Also: to suck
📝 In Action
El bebé necesita mamar cada tres horas.
A2The baby needs to nurse every three hours.
Vimos a los perritos mamando de su madre.
B1We saw the puppies suckling from their mother.
El ternero dejó de mamar ayer.
B1The calf stopped nursing yesterday.
to soak up, to be steeped in
📝 In Action
Él mamó el arte en su casa desde pequeño.
B2He soaked up art at home since he was little.
Es una tradición que hemos mamado todos.
C1It is a tradition that we have all been steeped in since childhood.
Mamaste el respeto por la naturaleza de tus padres.
B2You absorbed the respect for nature from your parents.
to mess around, to be kidding
Also: to get drunk
📝 In Action
¡No mames! ¿En serio ganamos?
C1No way! Did we seriously win?
Deja de mamar, estoy trabajando.
C1Stop messing around, I'm working.
Ayer nos mamamos en la fiesta.
C1Yesterday we got wasted at the party.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mamar
Question 1 of 3
Which verb describes what a MOTHER does when feeding a baby?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'mammāre,' which comes from 'mamma' (breast/udder). It is an imitation of the sound infants make.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mamar' a bad word?
It depends on the country and context. Biologically (nursing), it is neutral. However, in Mexico and other regions, it is often part of vulgar slang. Use it carefully!
Can I use 'mamar' for adults drinking?
In Spain, 'mamarse' is a common informal way to say 'to get drunk.' In other places, it might sound strange or vulgar.
What is the difference between 'mamar' and 'succionar'?
'Mamar' is specific to nursing or soaking up culture. 'Succionar' is the general scientific/physical term for suction.