How to say "mum" in Japanese

• ママJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe childish, affectionate 'mummy': familiar language, the way a small child addresses her mother, as when a toddler calls out to her across the room.
  ママのミルクはもう飲のんだでちょ？泣なかないでネンネしてくだちゃ〜い。↗

  You've already drunk mummy's milk. Don't cry, please go sleepy-sleep.
• お母さんおかあさんJLPT N5approx.Common
  nounThe respectful way to say 'mum': honorific (sonkeigo) language, used when addressing your own mother politely or especially when referring to someone else's mother, as when asking a friend about hers.
  お母かあさんに口答くちごたえしてはいけませんよ。↗

  Don't answer your mother back.

Choose 「ママ」 for the childish 'mummy' of small children and family intimacy, and 「お母さん」 when politeness or respect is called for, as in addressing your mother politely or mentioning someone else's mother.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• ママmom
• お母さんおかあさんmother
• お母ちゃんおかあちゃんmum
• 母ちゃんかあちゃんmum
• おっかさんmother