ママ

JLPT:N3
Frequency:

1Mom, mommy — a casual, affectionate term for one's mother, more familiar than 'okaasan'. Commonly used by children addressing their mother, but also in adult conversation.

NounFamiliar Language

Examples

子どもが「ママ、抱っこして」と言った。

The child said, "Mom, carry me."

ママに絵本を読んでもらいながら眠ってしまった。

I fell asleep while my mom was reading me a picture book.

久しぶりに実家に帰ってママとゆっくり話した。

I went back to my parents' house for the first time in a while and had a long chat with my mom.

うちのママは料理が上手だ。

My mom is good at cooking.

2The female proprietress of a bar, snack bar, or similar nightlife establishment — the woman who runs and manages it. Also called 'ママさん'.

Noun

Examples

この店のママはいつも常連客に優しい。

The proprietress of this bar is always kind to her regular customers.

帰り際、ママに「気をつけてね」と見送られた。

As I was leaving, the proprietress saw me off, saying, "Take care."

彼女は銀座でスナックのママをしている。

She runs a snack bar in Ginza as its proprietress.

Word Relationships