母亲

• Pinyin: mǔ qīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 母 = pictograph of a kneeling woman nursing, meaning mother; 亲 = 立 (stand) + 木 (tree) + 见 (see), meaning close or dear

Meaning

Mother. The formal and respectful term for one's mother.

More formal than 妈妈, which is the everyday term. Used in writing, formal speech, and when referring to mothers in a respectful or literary context. Also appears in set phrases like 母亲节 (Mother's Day) and metaphorical uses like 祖国母亲 (motherland). Not typically used to directly address one's own mother in conversation.

Examples

1. 她的母亲是一位很有名的画家。 Her mother is a very famous painter.
2. 母亲节快到了，你准备送什么礼物？ Mother's Day is coming soon — what gift are you planning to give?
3. 他从小就跟母亲学做菜。 He learned to cook from his mother since he was little.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, formal speech, literature

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 他的母亲对他的影响很大。(His mother had a great influence on him.)
• 母亲的爱是无条件的。(A mother's love is unconditional.)

Don't Say

• 母亲，我饿了！(Avoid using 母亲 to directly address your mom in casual settings — it sounds overly formal. Use 妈 or 妈妈 instead.)

Origin & History

母 depicts a kneeling woman with two dots representing breasts, symbolising a nursing mother; 亲 means close or dear (亲 = 辛 labour + 木 tree + 见 see, original meaning 'to see in person').

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal