🇳🇿 Maori phrases

How to Say "Mother" in Maori

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Māmā
"Mother" in Maori · say it like mah-mah

The most natural way to say "Mother" in Maori is Māmā. 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

Whāea
Used in more formal contexts or in educational settings.

When to use it

You can use 'Māmā' when referring to your mother in everyday conversation. It is a warm and affectionate term. 'Whāea' is more formal and can be used in respectful contexts, such as when addressing someone else's mother or in a school environment.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Mother" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Maori

MaoriEnglish
Kei te haere au ki te kāinga o māmā.I am going to my mother's house.
Ka tuku au i ngā mihi ki a māmā.I send my regards to mother.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'Māmā' with 'Whāea', using them interchangeably in all contexts.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Māmā, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Maori 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 'Māmā' and 'Whāea'?

'Māmā' is used informally for one's own mother, while 'Whāea' is a more formal term.

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