mami
“mami” means “mommy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
mommy
Also: mom, mama
📝 In Action
Mami, ¿puedes ayudarme con la tarea?
A1Mommy, can you help me with my homework?
Voy a llamar a mi mami para ver cómo está.
A2I’m going to call my mom to see how she is.
babe
Also: hottie, honey
📝 In Action
¡Qué linda estás hoy, mami!
B2You look beautiful today, babe!
Ella es la mami del barrio; todos la miran.
C1She is the 'hottie' of the neighborhood; everyone looks at her.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mami
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'mami' in its slang context?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
A diminutive and familiar form derived from the standard word 'mamá' (mother), which itself comes from the sound babies make ('ma-ma'). It is essentially a pet name.
First recorded: Early 20th century in Latin America, gaining wider popularity in the late 20th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mami' only used for one's mother?
No. While its main meaning is 'mommy,' it is very often used as a term of endearment or flirtation for any attractive woman, especially in certain Caribbean and urban cultures.
What is the difference between 'mamá' and 'mami'?
'Mamá' is the standard noun for 'mother'. 'Mami' is a diminutive—a way of making the word sound sweeter, younger, and more affectionate, like 'mommy' in English. It emphasizes closeness.