🇯🇵 Japanese phrases

How to Say "Mother" in Japanese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
"Mother" in Japanese · say it like hah

The most natural way to say "Mother" in Japanese is . Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

お母さん
more casual and affectionate term
お母様
formal and respectful term

When to use it

Use '母' when referring to your mother in a neutral context. 'お母さん' is used when speaking to or about your mother in a more affectionate way. 'お母様' is appropriate in formal situations or when showing respect.

Say it out loud, get corrected

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Examples in Japanese

JapaneseEnglish
母は料理が得意です。My mother is good at cooking.
お母さん、これを見てください。Mom, please look at this.
お母様によろしくお伝えください。Please give my regards to your mother.
Common mistake
Some learners confuse '母' with 'お母さん' and use them interchangeably in all contexts.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear 母, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Japanese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between '母' and 'お母さん'?

'母' is more formal and neutral, while 'お母さん' is casual and affectionate.

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