母亲
mǔqīn
mother
她是我的母亲。
She is my mother.
formal
A woman in relation to her child or children; the female parent of a person.
母亲是家庭的核心。
The mother is the core of the family.
In Chinese culture, the mother often holds a central role in family dynamics.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use '母亲' in formal or respectful contexts, while '妈妈' is more casual and affectionate.
Gold Rule
Respectful Address
When addressing or referring to someone else's mother, '母亲' is more appropriate than '妈妈'.
Word Origin
The term '母亲' is composed of '母' (mǔ, meaning 'female parent') and '亲' (qīn, meaning 'close relative').
Usage Notes
In formal contexts, '母亲' is often used to convey respect, while '妈妈' is more colloquial and affectionate.
Word Breakdown
母
female parent
root亲
close relative
root汉英词典