お母さん

• Reading: おかあさん
• Romaji: okaasan
• Kanji breakdown: 母 (kaa/haha) — mother; お〜さん — honorific address form
• Pronunciation: /o.kaː.saɴ/

Meaning

Mother; mom; mum. The polite or familiar term of address for a mother.

The honorific form used when addressing your own mother directly or when referring to someone else's mother. Most children call their mother お母さん at home. This contrasts with 母, the humble form used when talking about your own mother to outsiders.

Examples

1. お母さん、晩ご飯は何ですか。 Mom, what's for dinner?
2. 友達のお母さんはとても優しいです。 My friend's mother is very kind.
3. お母さんが作ったお弁当を持っていきます。 I'm bringing the lunch box my mom made.

Usage Guide

Context: home life, talking about others' mothers, direct address

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Formed by adding the honorific prefix お to 母さん (kaasan). The さん suffix adds politeness, making it the standard way children address their mothers.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal