大妈

• Pinyin: dà mā
• Hanzi breakdown: 大 = pictograph of a person with arms spread; 妈 = 女 (woman) + 马 (horse, phonetic)

Meaning

Auntie; middle-aged or older woman. A familiar address for women of one's parents' or grandparents' generation.

Originally means father's elder brother's wife, but now widely used as a casual address for middle-aged to elderly women, especially in northern China. Can be affectionate or mildly humorous. The term 中国大妈 has become a cultural phenomenon referring to energetic, outspoken older women known for square dancing and group activities.

Examples

1. 小区里的大妈们每天晚上都在广场上跳舞。 The aunties in the neighbourhood dance in the square every evening.
2. 大妈，这个西瓜怎么卖？ Auntie, how much is this watermelon?
3. 隔壁的大妈人很热心，经常帮我们照看孩子。 The auntie next door is very warm-hearted and often helps us look after the kids.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, community, market

Tone: friendly

Do Say

• 大妈，您好！今天天气真好。(Hello, auntie! The weather is really nice today.)
• 大妈做的饭特别好吃。(The food auntie makes is especially delicious.)

Don't Say

• 对还很年轻的女性说大妈 (Don't call a young or middle-aged woman 大妈 — it implies she is elderly and could be very offensive; use 阿姨 or 姐姐 instead)

Origin & History

大 (big/eldest) + 妈 (mother/ma) — originally addressed the wife of one's father's elder brother, extended to a general address for older women.

Cultural Context

Generation: Middle-aged and older

Social background: Universal