mama

[/ˈmɑːmə/]

nounfemininepl: mamas

mamãe

1. a mother, especially when addressed by a child

Mama, can you help me with my homework?

Mamãe, você pode me ajudar com a lição de casa?

2. an informal or affectionate term for mother

My mama always made the best cookies.

Minha mamãe sempre fazia os melhores biscoitos.

3. a woman, especially in informal contexts (dated or colloquial)

That mama knows how to dance.

Essa mulher sabe dançar mesmo.

Synonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

mamãe

Most common affectionate term for mother

Rio de Janeiro

mamãe

Standard usage, sometimes shortened to 'mãe'

São Paulo

mamãe

Standard usage, equivalent to English 'mama'

Portugal

mãe

More formal; 'mamã' is also used informally

mama bear - protective mother figure

mama's boy - man excessively attached to his mother

yo mama - insult format (colloquial)

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