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March 24, 2026
妈(媽)mā(ma1)
The character 妈 (mā) means 'mother' or 'mom' in Mandarin. It is a term of endearment and respect used to refer to one’s mother, and can also be used in a broader sense to address other maternal figures. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, emphasizing the importance of the maternal role in Chinese culture.
Strokes6Radical女Frequency#224DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the role of the mother is highly revered, and terms like 妈 reflect deep respect and affection. It is common for children to stay close to their mothers throughout their lives, and this term symbolizes that bond.
Memory Tip
Imagine a child calling out to their mother with open arms, saying 'mā' while drawing a big heart in the air with their hands. The character 妈 has the radical 女 (nǚ), meaning 'woman,' signifying the female figure of a mother. The pronunciation 'mā' sounds like a gentle call for comfort.
Meanings of 妈
mā(ma1)
1ma
2mom
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 妈
妈Simplified
媽Traditional
6Strokes
女Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#224Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1TOCFLL1
Podcast: 妈
Podcast: 妈
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AI Study Notes for 妈
Quick Contrast
妈 (mā) vs 母 (mǔ) — use 妈 (mā) for informal or affectionate contexts, while 母 (mǔ) is more formal or literary.
Usage Notes
When using 妈, students should be aware of the tone; it must be pronounced with the first tone (mā), as using the wrong tone can change meaning. Common phrases include 妈妈 (māmā), which is an affectionate way to say 'mom.' Avoid using it in overly formal contexts, as it is primarily a familial term.
HSK Study Tips
Although 妈 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects well with other family-related vocabulary like 爸 (bà, dad) and 家 (jiā, family). Students should practice the pronunciation and context of family terms as they build their vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 妈 (mā) with 吗 (ma), which is a question particle. For example, saying '你妈?' (Nǐ ma?) instead of '你好吗?' (Nǐ hǎo ma?) can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure you're using the correct context and tone.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 妈
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How Well Do You Know 妈?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 妈 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
妈 = 女 + 马. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 妈
IDS Structure⿰女马
妈Full Character
=
女nü3
left
马Ma3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 妈?
How to say ma in Chinese
“ma” in Chinese is妈mā
The character 妈 (mā) means 'mother' or 'mom' in Mandarin. It is a term of endearment and respect used to refer to one’s mother, and can also be used in a broader sense to address other maternal figures. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, emphasizing the importance of the maternal role in Chinese culture.
When to use 妈
When using 妈, students should be aware of the tone; it must be pronounced with the first tone (mā), as using the wrong tone can change meaning. Common phrases include 妈妈 (māmā), which is an affectionate way to say 'mom.' Avoid using it in overly formal contexts, as it is primarily a familial term.
妈 or something close to it
妈 (mā) vs 母 (mǔ) — use 妈 (mā) for informal or affectionate contexts, while 母 (mǔ) is more formal or literary.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 妈 (mā) with 吗 (ma), which is a question particle. For example, saying '你妈?' (Nǐ ma?) instead of '你好吗?' (Nǐ hǎo ma?) can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure you're using the correct context and tone.
Write 妈
妈
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Grammar Patterns of 妈
妈 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
