Spanish · People & Family
"Mother" in Spanish: madre
la madre
Mother in Spanish is la madre. It is feminine. Madre is a bit more formal than mamá. Say mi madre for my mother.
How to pronounce madre: audio and sound guideTalking about home
Mi madre cocina muy bien.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce madre
Say it
MAH-dreh
/ˈmaðɾe/
MAH-dreh. Stress mah. The d is soft between vowels.
"Mother" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la madre | mother Neutral or slightly formal word. | Neutral or slightly formal word. |
| mi madre | my mother Common in introductions and stories. | Common in introductions and stories. |
| madre soltera | single mother A set phrase you will hear and read. | A set phrase you will hear and read. |
| suegra | mother-in-law Your partner's mother; not the same as madre. | Your partner's mother; not the same as madre. |
How to use madre in real life
- 1Talking about home
Mi madre cocina muy bien.
My mother cooks very well.
Mi madre is clear and polite.
- 2On the phone
¿Puedo hablar con tu madre?
May I speak with your mother?
Tu madre fits everyday speech.
- 3At school pickup
La madre de Ana ya llegó.
Ana's mother already arrived.
La madre de + name is a common pattern.
Mistakes English speakers make with madre
Incorrect: El madre es estricta.
Correct: La madre es estricta.
Madre is feminine. Always la madre, mi madre.
Incorrect: Voy a ver a mi madre mañana vosotros también.
Correct: Voy a ver a mi madre mañana. ¿Ustedes también?
Keep madre, and use ustedes in Latin America.
Good to know
Good to knowMadre sounds a bit more formal than mamá. Día de la Madre is widely celebrated in Latin America, though the date varies by country.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Asking about someone's parents
ChatPal
¿Tu madre vive cerca?
Does your mother live nearby?
You
Sí, mi madre vive a dos cuadras.
Yes, my mother lives two blocks away.
ChatPal
Qué práctico. ¿La visitas mucho?
How practical. Do you visit her a lot?
You
Casi cada domingo veo a mi madre.
I see my mother almost every Sunday.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Mother" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Mother" in Spanish
Is madre masculine or feminine?
Feminine: la madre, mi madre, esa madre.
When do I use madre vs mamá?
Madre is more formal; mamá is warmer and everyday.
How do I say mother-in-law?
Suegra. Do not say madre política in casual talk.
How do I pronounce madre?
MAH-dreh with soft d. Stress the first syllable.
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