maa1 mi4媽咪妈咪
Jyutpingmaa1 mi4
Yalemā mìh
Definition
Mommy; mummy; an affectionate term for mother.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Borrowing directly from the English word mummy, this term conveys a softer and more affectionate tone than the more common 阿媽. It is frequently used by children or adults who maintain a close, warm relationship with their mothers. While widely understood, it can sound slightly more middle class or westernized depending on the speaker's background.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
My mum really loves going for dim sum.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in formal or professional settings when referring to someone else's mother, as it may sound overly informal or childish. Stick to 阿媽 or 伯母 depending on the level of respect required.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
