How to Say Mom in Spanish
Say "mah" with no accent., Say "MAH" with an accent., Put it together., Don't say "la mama" (no accents).
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Say "mah" with no accent.
The closest equivalent in Spanish to "mom" is probably "mamá".
Follow the steps in this section to pronounce this word.
You'll want to start with a "mah" sound.
This nearly rhymes with the English word "raw." -
Step 2: Say "MAH" with an accent.
Now, say a slightly different "mah" sound (still rhymes with "raw").
This time, put an accent on the syllable.
This means basically to say it a little more forcefully, a little longer, and at a little higher pitch.If the first syllable was a "mah," this one is a "MAH." Having trouble with the idea of putting accent on a certain syllable? Use an English example.
For instance, if you get angry and say "enough!"
the second syllable ("nuff") is accented.
You would say "ee-NUFF"
but never "EE-nuff." "Mamá" is similar. , The whole word "mamá" is pronounced "mah-MAH." Again, be sure to stress the second syllable.
This will naturally make the first syllable a little quicker and inconsequential — many Spanish speakers use a pronunciation that's closer to "muh-MAH" or "m-MAH." If you use this word in a sentence, use the article "la" for "la mamá." For instance: "La otra mamá es mejor." ("The other mom is better.") "Mamá" is somewhat informal, but it's not crude or derogatory in any way.
It's the sort of thing you'd hear a child saying to his or her mother (even if the child is an adult). , This word is pronounced very similarly to "mamá." The only difference is in the accent: here, the first syllable is stressed ("MAH-mah").
Unfortunately, "mama" means "breast." Most people will know what you mean if you make this mistake, but it's still nice to be able to avoid the embarrassment. -
Step 3: Put it together.
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Step 4: Don't say "la mama" (no accents).
Detailed Guide
The closest equivalent in Spanish to "mom" is probably "mamá".
Follow the steps in this section to pronounce this word.
You'll want to start with a "mah" sound.
This nearly rhymes with the English word "raw."
Now, say a slightly different "mah" sound (still rhymes with "raw").
This time, put an accent on the syllable.
This means basically to say it a little more forcefully, a little longer, and at a little higher pitch.If the first syllable was a "mah," this one is a "MAH." Having trouble with the idea of putting accent on a certain syllable? Use an English example.
For instance, if you get angry and say "enough!"
the second syllable ("nuff") is accented.
You would say "ee-NUFF"
but never "EE-nuff." "Mamá" is similar. , The whole word "mamá" is pronounced "mah-MAH." Again, be sure to stress the second syllable.
This will naturally make the first syllable a little quicker and inconsequential — many Spanish speakers use a pronunciation that's closer to "muh-MAH" or "m-MAH." If you use this word in a sentence, use the article "la" for "la mamá." For instance: "La otra mamá es mejor." ("The other mom is better.") "Mamá" is somewhat informal, but it's not crude or derogatory in any way.
It's the sort of thing you'd hear a child saying to his or her mother (even if the child is an adult). , This word is pronounced very similarly to "mamá." The only difference is in the accent: here, the first syllable is stressed ("MAH-mah").
Unfortunately, "mama" means "breast." Most people will know what you mean if you make this mistake, but it's still nice to be able to avoid the embarrassment.
About the Author
Samantha Lewis
Creates helpful guides on DIY projects to inspire and educate readers.
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