母 Mother

Meaning

Primary

Mother

Alternative

My Mother

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they both mean mother.

母 is a formal and humble way to say "my mother" when talking to others. By using the plain form and omitting respectful language toward your own mom, you actually sound more humble, which makes a polite impression on the person you're speaking to.

You wouldn't, however, use it when talking to your mom or when talking about someone else's mom — it would come off as too blunt for that!

Reading

はは

Explanation

The reading is the kun'yomi reading, but this is the reading you learned with the kanji. Just remember, your mother is a terrible person and won't stop laughing at you: "HA HA HA HA HA!"

Context

Common Word Combinations

• 母〜

  母ブタ

  a mother pig

  母犬

  a mother dog

  母ネコ

  a mother cat

• 母が〜

  母がつくる

  my mother makes something

  母がくる

  my mother comes

  母がたおれる

  my mother falls over, my mother gets sick

• 母の〜

  母の母

  my mother's mother

  母の手

  my mother's hands

  母のすがた

  my mother's figure

Context Sentences

母は六十六才です。

My mother is sixty-six years old.

母の日は五月です。

Mother's Day is in May.

母はビーガンです。

My mother is vegan.

Kanji Composition

1. 母

   はは Mother