Translation guide
The English word 'mother' can refer to one's own mother, someone else's mother, or be used as a term of address. Japanese has different words depending on formality, whose mother is being discussed, and the relationship between speakers.
When talking about your own mother to someone outside your family, use humble or neutral terms.
The standard humble term for one's own mother when speaking to outsiders. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
母は料理が上手です。
My mother is good at cooking.
昨日、母と買い物に行きました。
Yesterday, I went shopping with my mother.
Can be used for one's own mother when speaking within the family or to close friends. Sounds more affectionate. Using it with outsiders may sound childish or overly familiar.
お母さん、今日の夕飯は何？
Mom, what's for dinner tonight?
A neutral, somewhat formal term for 'mother'. Often used in official documents, news, or when discussing the role of a mother.
母親の役割は重要です。
The role of a mother is important.
When talking about another person's mother, use respectful terms to show politeness.
The most common respectful term for someone else's mother. Safe to use in most situations.
田中さんのお母さんに会いました。
I met Tanaka's mother.
A very polite and formal term for someone else's mother. Used in business settings or when showing high respect.
An archaic, highly respectful term for someone else's mother, or one's own mother in very formal contexts. Rarely used in modern conversation.
When calling out to or addressing your own mother, use familiar terms.
The standard way to address your own mother. Equivalent to 'Mom' or 'Mum'.
お母さん、ちょっと来て。
Mom, come here a minute.
A more casual, affectionate way to address your mother. Often used by children or in informal family settings.
Borrowed from English 'mama'. Commonly used by young children or in a cute, affectionate way. Can also be used by adults in casual contexts.
ママ、遊ぼう！
Mommy, let's play!
When 'mother' is part of a broader concept, such as 'motherhood' or 'mother tongue'.
Used in compounds like 母国語 (mother tongue) or 母性 (motherhood).
母国語は日本語です。
My mother tongue is Japanese.
Used in formal contexts like 母親学級 (childbirth class) or 母親像 (image of a mother).
The loanword マザー (mazā) is not commonly used for one's own mother. It appears mainly in set phrases like マザー・テレサ (Mother Teresa) or マザーコンプレックス (mother complex). Using it to refer to a person's mother sounds unnatural.
Use 母 when talking about your own mother to people outside your family (humble). Use お母さん when talking about someone else's mother (respectful) or when addressing your own mother directly. Using お母さん for your own mother when speaking to outsiders can sound childish or overly familiar.
社長のお母様はご健在ですか。
Is the company president's mother in good health?
Please give my regards to your mother.
母さん、ありがとう。
Thanks, Mom.
母親学級に参加しました。
I attended a childbirth class.