die Ma
ma
A very informal, rare, and often childlike short form for Mama or mother.
EXAMPLE
Ma, kannst du mir helfen?
Ma, can you help me?
die Ma
ma
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word origin
'Ma' is a short form derived directly from the word 'Mama' (mom). It is basically the first syllable of the longer word.
EXAMPLE
Ma, wo bist du?
Ma, where are you?
Register: child language
This word belongs almost exclusively to child language or to a very intimate, family tone. It is hardly used by adults and can sound childlike or ironic.
EXAMPLE
Das kleine Kind rief nach seiner Ma.
The little child called for his ma.
Use as address
'Ma' is almost always used as a direct form of address, meaning when a child is speaking directly to their mother. It is rarely used to talk about the mother.
EXAMPLE
Ma, ich hab Hunger!
Ma, I'm hungry!
Compare with
Ma vs Mama
mom
Ma and Mama are affectionate, familiar terms for one's own mother. In German, however, „Ma“ is much less common and often sounds especially informal or childlike, while „Mama“ is the usual familiar form. In most cases, use „Mama“ and use „Ma“ only in very intimate or childlike speech.
Ma
Die kleine Lina ruft laut nach ihrer Ma.
Little Lina calls loudly for her mom.
Mama
Die kleine Lina ruft laut nach ihrer Mama.
Little Lina calls loudly for her mom.
In real life
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