A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "This is my mom" in Spanish
Introduce your mother in Spanish with this common and friendly phrase.
Esta es mi mamá.
EH-stah es mee mah-MAHneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're introducing your mother to someone for the first time, or when pointing her out in a group. It's a straightforward way to identify her.
Alternatives
- Ella es mi mamá.Use when she's already visible or the topic of conversation.
- Esta es mi madre.Slightly more formal than 'mamá'.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'es' and 'está'
Use 'es' for permanent characteristics like identity ('she IS my mom'), and 'está' for temporary states or locations.
Pronouncing 'mamá'
Make sure to stress the last syllable and use the nasal 'm' sound.
A small cultural note
While 'mamá' is very common and affectionate, 'madre' is also widely understood and can sound a bit more formal or respectful depending on the context.
Frequently asked
Is 'mamá' too informal?
Not at all! 'Mamá' is the most common and natural way to refer to your mother in most everyday situations. 'Madre' is also correct and can be used in more formal settings.
How do I say 'this is my dad'?
You can say 'Este es mi papá.' for a casual tone, or 'Este es mi padre.' for a more formal one.
What if I want to say 'she is my mom'?
You would say 'Ella es mi mamá.' This is used when referring to her as a person, rather than just pointing her out.