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How to Say "mom" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mamá

NounA1Affectionate, common
Use 'mamá' for the most common, affectionate, and everyday way to refer to your mother.

Examples

Mi mamá me lee un cuento cada noche.

Mom reads me a story every night.

madre

/MAH-dray//ˈmaðɾe/

NounA1Informal
Use 'madre' when you want to sound slightly more formal or when referring to your mother in a general or respectful context.
A woman with a warm, kind expression holding her young daughter in a gentle hug.

Examples

Mi madre es muy simpática.

My mother is very nice.

Voy a llamar a mi madre por su cumpleaños.

I'm going to call my mother for her birthday.

La madre de mi amigo es de Argentina.

My friend's mother is from Argentina.

Always a 'She'

'Madre' is a feminine word, which means you always use 'la' or 'una' before it. For example, 'la madre' (the mother) or 'una madre' (a mother).

'Madre' vs. 'Mamá'

Mistake: “Using 'madre' when talking to your own mother in a casual setting.”

Correction: While 'madre' is correct, 'mamá' is much more common and affectionate, like 'mother' vs. 'mom' in English. You'd call out, '¡Mamá!' not '¡Madre!'

vieja

/BYEH-hah//'bjexa/

NounB2Colloquial, affectionate
Use 'vieja' only in very informal, colloquial settings among close friends or family, as it can sometimes be perceived as disrespectful if used improperly.
A cheerful woman standing in a warm kitchen, stirring a large pot on the stove.

Examples

Voy al cine con mi vieja.

I'm going to the movies with my old lady/mom.

Mi vieja cocina el mejor pozole.

My mom makes the best pozole.

Mamá vs. Madre

The most common mistake is overusing 'madre' in casual settings where 'mamá' is more natural and expected. While 'madre' is correct, 'mamá' carries a warmer, more familiar tone appropriate for most family conversations.

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