When talking about your mom or mom in general, use mama. It's a very common and affectionate way to refer to your mother in Croatian. You'll hear this word used frequently by children and adults alike.
For example, you might say "Moja mama kuha" (My mom is cooking) or "Volim svoju mamu" (I love my mom). It's similar to how "mom" or "mommy" is used in English. It's important to remember this word as it's a fundamental part of everyday Croatian vocabulary.
How Formal Is It?
"Moja majka je učiteljica. (My mother is a teacher.)"
"Moja mama je kod kuće. (My mom is at home.)"
"Stara mi je kupila auto. (My old lady bought me a car.)"
"Mama, mogu li dobiti sladoled? (Mommy, can I have ice cream?)"
"Keva me zove na ručak. (My keva is calling me for lunch.)"
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the 'a' sound like the 'a' in 'cat' (should be more like the 'a' in 'father').
مستوى الصعوبة
short and common
short and phonetic
common and easy pronunciation
very common word
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Moja mama uvijek kuha najbolju juhu.
My mom always cooks the best soup.
Possessive pronoun 'moja' (my) agrees in gender and number with 'mama'.
Sinoć sam razgovarao s mamom o planovima za ljeto.
Last night I talked with mom about summer plans.
'S mamom' is the instrumental case, used with the preposition 's' (with).
Ona je jako ponosna na svoju mamu, koja je uspješna umjetnica.
She is very proud of her mom, who is a successful artist.
'Svoju mamu' is the accusative case, indicating the direct object of 'ponosna na' (proud of).
Često posjećujem svoju mamu koja živi u drugom gradu.
I often visit my mom who lives in another city.
'Svoju mamu' is the accusative case, the direct object of 'posjećujem' (I visit).
Kada sam bio mali, mama mi je čitala priče prije spavanja.
When I was little, mom read me stories before bed.
'Mama mi je čitala' shows the dative case 'mi' (to me) for the indirect object.
Razmišljam da sutra posjetim mamu i odnesem joj cvijeće.
I'm thinking of visiting mom tomorrow and bringing her flowers.
'Posjetim mamu' uses the accusative case, as 'mamu' is the direct object of the verb 'posjetiti' (to visit).
Nadam se da će se moja mama brzo oporaviti od operacije.
I hope my mom recovers quickly from the surgery.
'Moja mama' is in the nominative case as the subject of the clause.
Pitao sam mamu za savjet o karijeri i ona mi je dala odlične smjernice.
I asked mom for career advice and she gave me excellent guidance.
'Mamu' is in the accusative case, the direct object of 'pitao' (asked).
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
Moja mama je najbolja.
My mom is the best.
Volim svoju mamu.
I love my mom.
Gdje je mama?
Where is mom?
Mama, mogu li ići?
Mom, can I go?
Zovem mamu.
I'm calling mom.
Mama mi je rekla...
Mom told me...
Sretan Majčin dan, mama!
Happy Mother's Day, mom!
Hvala ti, mama.
Thank you, mom.
Mama je kod kuće.
Mom is at home.
Moja mama je učiteljica.
My mom is a teacher.
يُخلط عادةً مع
The correct and endearing term for 'grandmother', often confused with 'baba'.
The formal term for 'father', comparable to 'tata' (dad).
The formal term for 'mother', comparable to 'mama' (mom).
سهل الخلط
'Mama' is very common and informal, but 'majka' is the formal term for mother. Learners might wonder when to use which.
'Mama' is like 'mom' or 'mommy' and is used in everyday conversation, especially by children or when speaking informally. 'Majka' is the standard, more formal word for 'mother'. You'd see it in official documents or when speaking more respectfully.
Moja **mama** je najbolja. (My **mom** is the best.) / Njezina **majka** je liječnica. (Her **mother** is a doctor.)
In some Slavic languages, 'baba' can mean 'grandmother'. In Croatian, it usually has a less endearing or even slightly negative connotation.
While 'baba' *can* sometimes refer to an old woman, it's generally not used for 'grandmother' in a loving way. The standard word for grandmother is 'baka'. 'Baba' can imply an old, perhaps gossipy or eccentric woman.
Moja **baka** živi na selu. (My **grandmother** lives in the countryside.) / Susjedova **baba** stalno gleda kroz prozor. (The neighbor's **old woman** is always looking through the window.)
Similar to 'mama', 'tata' is informal. Learners might confuse it with the formal 'otac' and wonder about their usage.
'Tata' is the informal term for 'dad' or 'daddy', used in casual conversation. 'Otac' is the formal and standard word for 'father'.
Moj **tata** me uči plivati. (My **dad** teaches me to swim.) / Njegov **otac** je profesor. (His **father** is a professor.)
This word is singular for 'parent' but sounds similar to the plural 'roditelji'. Learners might misinterpret its singular/plural form.
'Roditelj' is singular, meaning 'parent'. 'Roditelji' is the plural form, meaning 'parents'. The -i ending signifies plurality here.
Svaki **roditelj** želi najbolje za svoje dijete. (Every **parent** wants the best for their child.) / Moji **roditelji** su otišli na odmor. (My **parents** went on vacation.)
In English, 'sister' is straightforward. In Croatian, 'sestra' can also mean 'nurse', which can be confusing depending on context.
While 'sestra' primarily means 'sister', it is also the common word for 'nurse'. Context usually makes it clear, but new learners might find it ambiguous without prior knowledge.
Moja **sestra** studira medicinu. (My **sister** is studying medicine.) / Medicinska **sestra** mi je dala lijek. (The medical **nurse** gave me medicine.)
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Talking about your mom
- Moja mama je lijepa. (My mom is beautiful.)
- Moja mama kuha. (My mom cooks.)
- Volim svoju mamu. (I love my mom.)
Calling your mom
- Mama, jesi li kod kuće? (Mom, are you home?)
- Mama, trebam te. (Mom, I need you.)
- Zovem mamu. (I'm calling mom.)
Referring to someone else's mom
- Njegova mama je draga. (His mom is kind.)
- Jesi li upoznao moju mamu? (Have you met my mom?)
- Gdje je tvoja mama? (Where is your mom?)
Expressing affection for your mom
- Najbolja mama na svijetu! (Best mom in the world!)
- Hvala ti, mama. (Thank you, mom.)
- Sretan Majčin dan, mama! (Happy Mother's Day, mom!)
Asking about a child's mom
- Tko je tvoja mama? (Who is your mom?)
- Jesi li vidio mamu? (Did you see mom?)
- Mama će doći uskoro. (Mom will come soon.)
بدايات محادثة
"Kako je tvoja mama? (How is your mom?)"
"Što tvoja mama radi? (What does your mom do?)"
"Jesi li često s mamom? (Are you often with your mom?)"
"Koja je omiljena stvar tvoje mame? (What is your mom's favorite thing?)"
"Imaš li neku smiješnu priču o svojoj mami? (Do you have a funny story about your mom?)"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Napiši tri rečenice o svojoj mami i zašto je voliš. (Write three sentences about your mom and why you love her.)
Opiši jedan dan sa svojom mamom. (Describe a day with your mom.)
Što si zadnje naučio/la od svoje mame? (What was the last thing you learned from your mom?)
Koja je tvoja najdraža uspomena s mamom? (What is your favorite memory with your mom?)
Kad bi mogao/la reći nešto svojoj mami, što bi joj rekao/la? (If you could say anything to your mom, what would you say to her?)
اختبر نفسك 54 أسئلة
Moja ___ voli kuhati. (My ___ loves to cook.)
The word 'mama' (mom) fits the context of someone who loves to cook and is grammatically correct as the subject of the sentence.
Razgovaram sa svojom ___ svaki dan. (I talk to my ___ every day.)
The sentence implies a close daily interaction. 'Mama' (mom) is the most fitting choice here. The preposition 'sa' (with) requires the instrumental case, but 'mama' stays the same in this context.
Njezina ___ radi u bolnici. (Her ___ works in a hospital.)
'Majka' is a more formal synonym for 'mama' and is also grammatically correct in this context.
Dajem cvijeće svojoj ___. (I give flowers to my ___.)
The dative case 'mami' (to mom) is required after the verb 'dajem' (I give) when indicating the recipient.
Ona je najbolja ___ na svijetu. (She is the best ___ in the world.)
'Majka' (mother) is the most appropriate word to complete the superlative statement about being the best in the world, in this context.
Zovem svoju ___ kada mi treba savjet. (I call my ___ when I need advice.)
The accusative case 'mamu' (mom) is used as the direct object of the verb 'zovem' (I call).
Choose the correct translation for 'mother'.
'Mama' is the Croatian word for 'mom' or 'mother'.
Which word would you use to refer to your female parent?
'Mama' is the appropriate term for one's mother.
Complete the sentence: Moja ___ voli kuhati. (My ___ loves to cook.)
The sentence structure indicates a female subject, and 'mama' fits the context of someone who might love to cook.
The word 'mama' in Croatian means 'father'.
'Mama' means 'mother' or 'mom', not 'father'. The word for father is 'tata'.
You can use 'mama' to lovingly refer to your mother.
'Mama' is a common and affectionate term for mother in Croatian.
If someone says 'Moja mama', they are talking about their brother.
'Moja mama' translates to 'My mom' or 'My mother', not 'My brother'.
Listen to the sentence and understand who is the best.
Listen for who was asked for advice.
Listen for whose hands are always warm.
Read this aloud:
Moja mama radi u školi.
Focus: mama
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Idem posjetiti mamu ovaj vikend.
Focus: mamu
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Kupio sam poklon za mamu.
Focus: za mamu
قلت:
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The correct order is 'My mom loves to cook.'
The correct order is 'Mom bought a new dress.'
The correct order is 'Where is your mom?'
Choose the correct translation for 'mother'.
'Mama' is the Croatian word for 'mom' or 'mother'.
Which of these words is a synonym for 'mama' in a formal context?
'Majka' is a more formal term for 'mother' in Croatian.
Which sentence correctly uses 'mama'?
This sentence uses 'mama' as the subject, indicating 'My mom is cooking dinner'.
The word 'mama' is typically used for a male parent.
'Mama' refers to a female parent (mom/mother), not a male parent.
In Croatian, 'mama' is a common and informal way to address one's mother.
'Mama' is a very common and often informal term for 'mom' in Croatian.
The word 'mama' has a different meaning in Croatian than in English.
The word 'mama' in Croatian has the same core meaning as 'mom' or 'mother' in English.
Choose the most appropriate synonym for 'mama' in a formal context.
'Majka' is the formal equivalent of 'mama'. 'Stara' is slang, 'staramajka' means grandmother, and 'roditeljka' is a more general term for female parent.
Which of these phrases correctly uses 'mama' in the genitive case?
The genitive case is used after prepositions like 'od' (from). 'Mama' in genitive singular is 'mame'. 'Volim moju mamu' uses the accusative, 'Idem k mama' is incorrect (should be 'k mami' - dative), and 'Pričam o mami' uses the locative.
Which sentence implies a child speaking directly to their mother?
The vocative case, often simply 'mama' in direct address, is used when speaking directly to someone. The other sentences use 'mama' in different grammatical cases or in the third person.
The word 'mama' can be used as an affectionate term for an older woman who is not one's biological mother.
Similar to English 'mom', 'mama' in Croatian can be used affectionately for a close older female figure, even if she is not a biological mother.
In Croatian, it is common to use 'mama' when referring to one's mother in a very formal speech or writing.
'Mama' is informal. For formal contexts, 'majka' should be used.
The diminutive form of 'mama' in Croatian is 'mamica'.
'Mamica' is a common and affectionate diminutive form of 'mama' in Croatian.
Focus on understanding the reasons behind demographic shifts and youth migration in rural areas as described in the report.
Pay attention to the economic experts' discussion about globalization's impact on local job markets and identify the main points of contention.
Listen to the radio segment about contemporary art trends and note how avant-garde practices influence public perception.
Read this aloud:
Elaborirajte o kompleksnosti implementacije održivih energetskih rješenja u urbanim sredinama, uzimajući u obzir ekonomske, socijalne i tehničke faktore.
Focus: implementacije, održivih, energetskih, rješenja, urbanim, sredinama, ekonomske, socijalne, tehničke, faktore
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Prokomentirajte kritički analizu književnog djela koja istražuje postojanje egzistencijalne krize kod glavnog lika, fokusirajući se na autorov stil i simboliku.
Focus: Prokomentirajte, kritički, analizu, književnog, djela, istražuje, postojanje, egzistencijalne, krize, glavnog, lika, autorov, stil, simboliku
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Objasnite utjecaj digitalne transformacije na tradicionalne medije i predvidite buduće izazove s kojima će se suočavati novinarstvo u eri umjetne inteligencije.
Focus: Objasnite, utjecaj, digitalne, transformacije, tradicionalne, medije, predvidite, buduće, izazove, suočavati, novinarstvo, umjetne, inteligencije
قلت:
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Opišite ulogu majke u suvremenom hrvatskom društvu, uzimajući u obzir tradicionalne vrijednosti i moderne izazove. (Describe the role of a mother in contemporary Croatian society, considering traditional values and modern challenges.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
U suvremenom hrvatskom društvu, uloga majke je složena i dinamična. Tradicionalno se majke vide kao stupovi obitelji i primarne njegovateljice, odgovorne za odgoj djece i održavanje kućanstva. Međutim, s promjenama u društvu, sve više majki aktivno sudjeluje u radnoj snazi, suočavajući se s izazovima usklađivanja karijere i obiteljskih obaveza. Unatoč tim promjenama, emocionalna potpora i bezuvjetna ljubav majke ostaju ključne za razvoj djeteta i stabilnost obitelji.
Razmislite o važnosti majčinog jezika u očuvanju kulturnog identiteta. Kako hrvatski majčin jezik doprinosi tome? (Reflect on the importance of the mother tongue in preserving cultural identity. How does the Croatian mother tongue contribute to this?)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Majčin jezik je temelj kulturnog identiteta svakog naroda. Kroz hrvatski majčin jezik prenose se stoljetne tradicije, narodne priče, pjesme i običaji, oblikujući kolektivnu svijest i osjećaj pripadnosti. Jezik nije samo sredstvo komunikacije, već i riznica povijesti, vrijednosti i pogleda na svijet. Očuvanje majčinog jezika stoga je od iznimne važnosti za prenošenje kulturnog nasljeđa budućim generacijama i jačanje nacionalnog identiteta u globaliziranom svijetu.
Napišite esej o utjecaju majke na formiranje osobnosti djeteta. Uključite psihološke i sociološke aspekte. (Write an essay on the influence of a mother on the formation of a child's personality. Include psychological and sociological aspects.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Utjecaj majke na formiranje osobnosti djeteta je sveobuhvatan i počinje od najranije dobi. S psihološkog aspekta, majčina ljubav, podrška i stil roditeljstva ključni su za razvoj djetetovog samopouzdanja, emocionalne inteligencije i sposobnosti uspostavljanja zdravih odnosa. Sociološki gledano, majka često služi kao primarni agent socijalizacije, prenoseći društvene norme, vrijednosti i očekivanja. Njezina uloga u pružanju sigurnog okruženja i poticanju djetetovih potencijala neizostavna je za cjelovit razvoj jedinke.
Prema tekstu, što 'majka' simbolizira u hrvatskom kontekstu? (According to the text, what does 'mother' symbolize in the Croatian context?)
Read this passage:
Majke su često stupovi obitelji, noseći na svojim plećima teret svakodnevnih obaveza i emocionalne potpore. U hrvatskom kontekstu, pojam 'majka' duboko je ukorijenjen u kulturi i tradiciji, simbolizirajući požrtvovnost, ljubav i bezuvjetnu odanost. Iako se društvene uloge mijenjaju, esencijalna vrijednost majčinstva ostaje nepromijenjena, oblikujući generacije i čuvajući obiteljske veze. (Mothers are often the pillars of the family, bearing the burden of daily obligations and emotional support. In the Croatian context, the term 'mother' is deeply rooted in culture and tradition, symbolizing selflessness, love, and unconditional devotion. Although social roles are changing, the essential value of motherhood remains unchanged, shaping generations and preserving family ties.)
Prema tekstu, što 'majka' simbolizira u hrvatskom kontekstu? (According to the text, what does 'mother' symbolize in the Croatian context?)
Tekst izričito navodi da 'majka' simbolizira požrtvovnost, ljubav i bezuvjetnu odanost u hrvatskom kontekstu. (The text explicitly states that 'mother' symbolizes selflessness, love, and unconditional devotion in the Croatian context.)
Tekst izričito navodi da 'majka' simbolizira požrtvovnost, ljubav i bezuvjetnu odanost u hrvatskom kontekstu. (The text explicitly states that 'mother' symbolizes selflessness, love, and unconditional devotion in the Croatian context.)
Koji su glavni izazovi modernog majčinstva u Hrvatskoj, prema navedenom odlomku? (What are the main challenges of modern motherhood in Croatia, according to the passage?)
Read this passage:
Moderno majčinstvo u Hrvatskoj suočava se s brojnim izazovima, od usklađivanja karijere i obitelji do pritiska društvenih očekivanja. Unatoč napretku u ravnopravnosti spolova, majke često preuzimaju primarnu odgovornost za odgoj djece i vođenje kućanstva. Potrebna je veća institucionalna podrška i promjena percepcije društva kako bi se majkama olakšala ta složena uloga. (Modern motherhood in Croatia faces numerous challenges, from balancing career and family to the pressure of societal expectations. Despite advances in gender equality, mothers often take primary responsibility for raising children and managing the household. Greater institutional support and a change in societal perception are needed to ease this complex role for mothers.)
Koji su glavni izazovi modernog majčinstva u Hrvatskoj, prema navedenom odlomku? (What are the main challenges of modern motherhood in Croatia, according to the passage?)
Odlomak jasno ističe da su usklađivanje karijere i obitelji te pritisak društvenih očekivanja glavni izazovi. (The passage clearly states that balancing career and family and the pressure of societal expectations are the main challenges.)
Odlomak jasno ističe da su usklađivanje karijere i obitelji te pritisak društvenih očekivanja glavni izazovi. (The passage clearly states that balancing career and family and the pressure of societal expectations are the main challenges.)
Kako majka pridonosi djetetovom jezičnom razvoju? (How does the mother contribute to a child's language development?)
Read this passage:
Uloga majke u razvoju jezika kod djeteta je neprocjenjiva. Kroz svakodnevnu interakciju, majka je često prvi izvor jezičnog inputa, potičući djetetovo razumijevanje i produkciju govora. Kvalitetna komunikacija s majkom, ispunjena pričanjem priča, pjevanjem i razgovorom, ključna je za bogat i pravilan jezični razvoj. (The role of the mother in a child's language development is invaluable. Through daily interaction, the mother is often the first source of linguistic input, encouraging the child's understanding and production of speech. Quality communication with the mother, filled with storytelling, singing, and conversation, is crucial for rich and proper language development.)
Kako majka pridonosi djetetovom jezičnom razvoju? (How does the mother contribute to a child's language development?)
Tekst navodi da majka pridonosi jezičnom razvoju kroz svakodnevnu interakciju, pričanje priča, pjevanje i razgovor. (The text states that the mother contributes to language development through daily interaction, storytelling, singing, and conversation.)
Tekst navodi da majka pridonosi jezičnom razvoju kroz svakodnevnu interakciju, pričanje priča, pjevanje i razgovor. (The text states that the mother contributes to language development through daily interaction, storytelling, singing, and conversation.)
This Croatian idiom translates to 'My mom always said that patience brings roses,' meaning good things come to those who wait. The word order emphasizes the subject 'mama' and the timeless truth of her saying.
This sentence uses poetic language to describe a mother's profound influence. The structure highlights the contrast between 'obična mama' (ordinary mom) and the elevated roles of 'arhitektica snova' (architect of dreams) and 'graditeljica karaktera' (builder of character).
This metaphor describes a mother as a 'svjetionik' (lighthouse), guiding her children through life's 'najmračnije oluje' (darkest storms). The phrase 'Bez obzira na sve' (Regardless of everything) emphasizes her unwavering support.
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