Arabic offers beautiful, diverse ways to refer to one’s mother. Learn the meanings behind each expression—and read a poem on mothers by Mahmoud Darwish, the award-winning Palestinian poet.
From Modern Standard Arabic, or FusHa (فصحى), both terms are commonly used throughout the Arabic-speaking world to refer to mothers. Literally, Omm (أم) means “mother”, and Ommi (أمي) as “my mother”. Note that depending on the region and dialect, pronunciation will slightly different; for example, in parts of Syria, one may hear Emmi (إِمِّيْ), too.
Fairuz, a music icon from Lebanon uses this term in her famous song “Ommi el-Habiba” (أمي الحبيبة, My beloved mother).
2. Yumma (يُمّه) or Ommah (أماه)
In Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, parts of Saudi Arabia, and neighbouring Gulf countries, one often hears the term yumma (يُمّه) for mother. It is also common to use ommah (أماه) in Omani dialect, a shortened form of ya ommah (يا أماه), meaning “oh mother”.
3. Mama (ماما) or Mami (مامي)
In the Levantine dialect, and increasingly across the Gulf and North Africa, two of the terms used for mother are mama(ماما) or mami (مامي). Overall, mama or mami is common across the region and different languages – read more here on why words for “Mom” and “Dad” sound similar across the world!
4. Youm (يوم)
In Aleppo, Syria, one encounters the term youm (يوم) for mother.
5. Yamo (يامو)
In Damascus, Syria, a slightly varied term, yamo (يامو) is used for mothers.
Popular Damascene actor and director, Duraid Lahham, pays tribute to mothers in his song titled “Yamo Yamo“.
6. Lwalida (لوالدة) or Walida (والدة)
In the Moroccan dialect, one of the terms for mother is lwalida(لوالدة), with variations such as walida in neighbouring countries, or Lwalda in some parts of Tunis. Please note, there are many more variations in and within Arabic-speaking communities in North Africa.
An Arabic Poem on Mothers
Mothers are an epitome of love, warmth and selflessness. In their embrace, one finds hope, strength and protection. These sentiments are beautifully encapsulated in the award-winning Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish’s (1941-2008) poem titled, “To My Mother” (إلى أمي). Here is an excerpt:
أحنُ إلى خبز أمي وقهوةِ أمي ولمسةِ أمي .. وتكبر فيَّ الطفولةُ يوماً على صدر يومِ و أعشق عمري لأني إذا متُّ أخجل من دمع أمي !
خذيني .. إذا عدتُ يوماً وشاحاً لهدبكْ وغطي عظامي بعشبٍ تعمَّد من طهر كعبكْ وشدِّي وثاقي.. بخصلة شعرٍ .. بخيطٍ يلوِّح في ذيل ثوبك.. عساني أصيرُ إلهًا إلهًا أصير .. إذا ما لمستُ قرارة قلبك !
Dearly I yearn for my mother’s bread, My mother’s coffee, Mother’s brushing touch. Childhood is raised in me, Day upon day in me. And I so cherish life Because if I died My mother’s tears would shame me.
Set me, if I return one day, As a shawl on your eyelashes, let your hand Spread grass out over my bones, Christened by your immaculate footsteps As on holy land. Fasten us with a lock of hair, With thread strung from the back of your dress. I could grow into godhood Commend my spirit into godhood If I but touch your heart’s deep breadth.
To all mothers and mother figures out there, عيد ام سعيد, Happy Mother’s Day!
Learn Arabic authentically with our native language partners from displaced backgrounds. Besides Modern Standard Arabic, NaTakallam offers Arabic in more than 7 dialects: Egyptian, Iraqi, Sudanese, Yemeni, and Levantine – Syrian, Palestinian, Lebanese.
P.S. Write to us and let us know if you use another term to refer to your mother in an Arabic dialect!
Credits: We would like to thank our Language Partner community for helping with the content, and Maria Thomas for copywriting the piece. Maria is a copywriter at NaTakallam and is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in art history. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, powerlifting and going on hikes.
From Modern Standard Arabic, or FusHa (فصحى), both terms are commonly used throughout the Arabic-speaking world to refer to mothers. Literally, Omm (أم) means “mother”, and Ommi (أمي) as “my mother”. Note that depending on the region and dialect, pronunciation will slightly different; for example, in parts of Syria, one may hear Emmi (إِمِّيْ), too.
Fairuz, a music icon from Lebanon uses this term in her famous song “Ommi el-Habiba” (أمي الحبيبة, My beloved mother).
2. Yumma (يُمّه) or Ommah (أماه)
In Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, parts of Saudi Arabia, and neighbouring Gulf countries, one often hears the term yumma (يُمّه) for mother. It is also common to use ommah (أماه) in Omani dialect, a shortened form of ya ommah (يا أماه), meaning “oh mother”.
3. Mama (ماما) or Mami (مامي)
In the Levantine dialect, and increasingly across the Gulf and North Africa, two of the terms used for mother are mama(ماما) or mami (مامي). Overall, mama or mami is common across the region and different languages – read more here on why words for “Mom” and “Dad” sound similar across the world!
4. Youm (يوم)
In Aleppo, Syria, one encounters the term youm (يوم) for mother.
5. Yamo (يامو)
In Damascus, Syria, a slightly varied term, yamo (يامو) is used for mothers.
Popular Damascene actor and director, Duraid Lahham, pays tribute to mothers in his song titled “Yamo Yamo“.
6. Lwalida (لوالدة) or Walida (والدة)
In the Moroccan dialect, one of the terms for mother is lwalida(لوالدة), with variations such as walida in neighbouring countries, or Lwalda in some parts of Tunis. Please note, there are many more variations in and within Arabic-speaking communities in North Africa.
An Arabic Poem on Mothers
Mothers are an epitome of love, warmth and selflessness. In their embrace, one finds hope, strength and protection. These sentiments are beautifully encapsulated in the award-winning Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish’s (1941-2008) poem titled, “To My Mother” (إلى أمي). Here is an excerpt:
أحنُ إلى خبز أمي وقهوةِ أمي ولمسةِ أمي .. وتكبر فيَّ الطفولةُ يوماً على صدر يومِ و أعشق عمري لأني إذا متُّ أخجل من دمع أمي !
خذيني .. إذا عدتُ يوماً وشاحاً لهدبكْ وغطي عظامي بعشبٍ تعمَّد من طهر كعبكْ وشدِّي وثاقي.. بخصلة شعرٍ .. بخيطٍ يلوِّح في ذيل ثوبك.. عساني أصيرُ إلهًا إلهًا أصير .. إذا ما لمستُ قرارة قلبك !
Dearly I yearn for my mother’s bread, My mother’s coffee, Mother’s brushing touch. Childhood is raised in me, Day upon day in me. And I so cherish life Because if I died My mother’s tears would shame me.
Set me, if I return one day, As a shawl on your eyelashes, let your hand Spread grass out over my bones, Christened by your immaculate footsteps As on holy land. Fasten us with a lock of hair, With thread strung from the back of your dress. I could grow into godhood Commend my spirit into godhood If I but touch your heart’s deep breadth.
To all mothers and mother figures out there, عيد ام سعيد, Happy Mother’s Day!
Learn Arabic authentically with our native language partners from displaced backgrounds. Besides Modern Standard Arabic, NaTakallam offers Arabic in more than 7 dialects: Egyptian, Iraqi, Sudanese, Yemeni, and Levantine – Syrian, Palestinian, Lebanese.
P.S. Write to us and let us know if you use another term to refer to your mother in an Arabic dialect!
Credits: We would like to thank our Language Partner community for helping with the content, and Maria Thomas for copywriting the piece. Maria is a copywriter at NaTakallam and is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in art history. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, powerlifting and going on hikes.
Arabic offers beautiful, diverse ways to refer to one’s mother. Learn the meanings behind each expression—and read a poem on mothers by Mahmoud Darwish, the award-winning Palestinian poet.
From Modern Standard Arabic, or FusHa (فصحى), both terms are commonly used throughout the Arabic-speaking world to refer to mothers. Literally, Omm (أم) means “mother”, and Ommi (أمي) as “my mother”. Note that depending on the region and dialect, pronunciation will slightly different; for example, in parts of Syria, one may hear Emmi (إِمِّيْ), too.
Fairuz, a music icon from Lebanon uses this term in her famous song “Ommi el-Habiba” (أمي الحبيبة, My beloved mother).
2. Yumma (يُمّه) or Ommah (أماه)
In Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, parts of Saudi Arabia, and neighbouring Gulf countries, one often hears the term yumma (يُمّه) for mother. It is also common to use ommah (أماه) in Omani dialect, a shortened form of ya ommah (يا أماه), meaning “oh mother”.
3. Mama (ماما) or Mami (مامي)
In the Levantine dialect, and increasingly across the Gulf and North Africa, two of the terms used for mother are mama(ماما) or mami (مامي). Overall, mama or mami is common across the region and different languages – read more here on why words for “Mom” and “Dad” sound similar across the world!
4. Youm (يوم)
In Aleppo, Syria, one encounters the term youm (يوم) for mother.
5. Yamo (يامو)
In Damascus, Syria, a slightly varied term, yamo (يامو) is used for mothers.
Popular Damascene actor and director, Duraid Lahham, pays tribute to mothers in his song titled “Yamo Yamo“.
6. Lwalida (لوالدة) or Walida (والدة)
In the Moroccan dialect, one of the terms for mother is lwalida(لوالدة), with variations such as walida in neighbouring countries, or Lwalda in some parts of Tunis. Please note, there are many more variations in and within Arabic-speaking communities in North Africa.
An Arabic Poem on Mothers
Mothers are an epitome of love, warmth and selflessness. In their embrace, one finds hope, strength and protection. These sentiments are beautifully encapsulated in the award-winning Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish’s (1941-2008) poem titled, “To My Mother” (إلى أمي). Here is an excerpt:
أحنُ إلى خبز أمي وقهوةِ أمي ولمسةِ أمي .. وتكبر فيَّ الطفولةُ يوماً على صدر يومِ و أعشق عمري لأني إذا متُّ أخجل من دمع أمي !
خذيني .. إذا عدتُ يوماً وشاحاً لهدبكْ وغطي عظامي بعشبٍ تعمَّد من طهر كعبكْ وشدِّي وثاقي.. بخصلة شعرٍ .. بخيطٍ يلوِّح في ذيل ثوبك.. عساني أصيرُ إلهًا إلهًا أصير .. إذا ما لمستُ قرارة قلبك !
Dearly I yearn for my mother’s bread, My mother’s coffee, Mother’s brushing touch. Childhood is raised in me, Day upon day in me. And I so cherish life Because if I died My mother’s tears would shame me.
Set me, if I return one day, As a shawl on your eyelashes, let your hand Spread grass out over my bones, Christened by your immaculate footsteps As on holy land. Fasten us with a lock of hair, With thread strung from the back of your dress. I could grow into godhood Commend my spirit into godhood If I but touch your heart’s deep breadth.
To all mothers and mother figures out there, عيد ام سعيد, Happy Mother’s Day!
Learn Arabic authentically with our native language partners from displaced backgrounds. Besides Modern Standard Arabic, NaTakallam offers Arabic in more than 7 dialects: Egyptian, Iraqi, Sudanese, Yemeni, and Levantine – Syrian, Palestinian, Lebanese.
P.S. Write to us and let us know if you use another term to refer to your mother in an Arabic dialect!
Credits: We would like to thank our Language Partner community for helping with the content, and Maria Thomas for copywriting the piece. Maria is a copywriter at NaTakallam and is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in art history. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, powerlifting and going on hikes.
Ummi, Amma, Mama. These are some of the first words we ever learn—and here are some of the ways you can say it in Arabic. In honor of Mother’s Day, celebrated on March 21 every year in the Arab world to coincide with the beginning of spring, let’s look at some ways to say “mom” in Arabic!
Arabic offers beautiful, diverse ways to refer to one’s mother. Learn the meanings behind each expression—and read a poem on mothers by Mahmoud Darwish, the award-winning Palestinian poet.
From Modern Standard Arabic, or FusHa (فصحى), both terms are commonly used throughout the Arabic-speaking world to refer to mothers. Literally, Omm (أم) means “mother”, and Ommi (أمي) as “my mother”. Note that depending on the region and dialect, pronunciation will slightly different; for example, in parts of Syria, one may hear Emmi (إِمِّيْ), too.
Fairuz, a music icon from Lebanon uses this term in her famous song “Ommi el-Habiba” (أمي الحبيبة, My beloved mother).
2. Yumma (يُمّه) or Ommah (أماه)
In Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, parts of Saudi Arabia, and neighbouring Gulf countries, one often hears the term yumma (يُمّه) for mother. It is also common to use ommah (أماه) in Omani dialect, a shortened form of ya ommah (يا أماه), meaning “oh mother”.
3. Mama (ماما) or Mami (مامي)
In the Levantine dialect, and increasingly across the Gulf and North Africa, two of the terms used for mother are mama(ماما) or mami (مامي). Overall, mama or mami is common across the region and different languages – read more here on why words for “Mom” and “Dad” sound similar across the world!
4. Youm (يوم)
In Aleppo, Syria, one encounters the term youm (يوم) for mother.
5. Yamo (يامو)
In Damascus, Syria, a slightly varied term, yamo (يامو) is used for mothers.
Popular Damascene actor and director, Duraid Lahham, pays tribute to mothers in his song titled “Yamo Yamo“.
6. Lwalida (لوالدة) or Walida (والدة)
In the Moroccan dialect, one of the terms for mother is lwalida(لوالدة), with variations such as walida in neighbouring countries, or Lwalda in some parts of Tunis. Please note, there are many more variations in and within Arabic-speaking communities in North Africa.
An Arabic Poem on Mothers
Mothers are an epitome of love, warmth and selflessness. In their embrace, one finds hope, strength and protection. These sentiments are beautifully encapsulated in the award-winning Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish’s (1941-2008) poem titled, “To My Mother” (إلى أمي). Here is an excerpt:
أحنُ إلى خبز أمي وقهوةِ أمي ولمسةِ أمي .. وتكبر فيَّ الطفولةُ يوماً على صدر يومِ و أعشق عمري لأني إذا متُّ أخجل من دمع أمي !
خذيني .. إذا عدتُ يوماً وشاحاً لهدبكْ وغطي عظامي بعشبٍ تعمَّد من طهر كعبكْ وشدِّي وثاقي.. بخصلة شعرٍ .. بخيطٍ يلوِّح في ذيل ثوبك.. عساني أصيرُ إلهًا إلهًا أصير .. إذا ما لمستُ قرارة قلبك !
Dearly I yearn for my mother’s bread, My mother’s coffee, Mother’s brushing touch. Childhood is raised in me, Day upon day in me. And I so cherish life Because if I died My mother’s tears would shame me.
Set me, if I return one day, As a shawl on your eyelashes, let your hand Spread grass out over my bones, Christened by your immaculate footsteps As on holy land. Fasten us with a lock of hair, With thread strung from the back of your dress. I could grow into godhood Commend my spirit into godhood If I but touch your heart’s deep breadth.
To all mothers and mother figures out there, عيد ام سعيد, Happy Mother’s Day!
Learn Arabic authentically with our native language partners from displaced backgrounds. Besides Modern Standard Arabic, NaTakallam offers Arabic in more than 7 dialects: Egyptian, Iraqi, Sudanese, Yemeni, and Levantine – Syrian, Palestinian, Lebanese.
P.S. Write to us and let us know if you use another term to refer to your mother in an Arabic dialect!
Credits: We would like to thank our Language Partner community for helping with the content, and Maria Thomas for copywriting the piece. Maria is a copywriter at NaTakallam and is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in art history. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, powerlifting and going on hikes.
From Modern Standard Arabic, or FusHa (فصحى), both terms are commonly used throughout the Arabic-speaking world to refer to mothers. Literally, Omm (أم) means “mother”, and Ommi (أمي) as “my mother”. Note that depending on the region and dialect, pronunciation will slightly different; for example, in parts of Syria, one may hear Emmi (إِمِّيْ), too.
Fairuz, a music icon from Lebanon uses this term in her famous song “Ommi el-Habiba” (أمي الحبيبة, My beloved mother).
2. Yumma (يُمّه) or Ommah (أماه)
In Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, parts of Saudi Arabia, and neighbouring Gulf countries, one often hears the term yumma (يُمّه) for mother. It is also common to use ommah (أماه) in Omani dialect, a shortened form of ya ommah (يا أماه), meaning “oh mother”.
3. Mama (ماما) or Mami (مامي)
In the Levantine dialect, and increasingly across the Gulf and North Africa, two of the terms used for mother are mama(ماما) or mami (مامي). Overall, mama or mami is common across the region and different languages – read more here on why words for “Mom” and “Dad” sound similar across the world!
4. Youm (يوم)
In Aleppo, Syria, one encounters the term youm (يوم) for mother.
5. Yamo (يامو)
In Damascus, Syria, a slightly varied term, yamo (يامو) is used for mothers.
Popular Damascene actor and director, Duraid Lahham, pays tribute to mothers in his song titled “Yamo Yamo“.
6. Lwalida (لوالدة) or Walida (والدة)
In the Moroccan dialect, one of the terms for mother is lwalida(لوالدة), with variations such as walida in neighbouring countries, or Lwalda in some parts of Tunis. Please note, there are many more variations in and within Arabic-speaking communities in North Africa.
An Arabic Poem on Mothers
Mothers are an epitome of love, warmth and selflessness. In their embrace, one finds hope, strength and protection. These sentiments are beautifully encapsulated in the award-winning Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish’s (1941-2008) poem titled, “To My Mother” (إلى أمي). Here is an excerpt:
أحنُ إلى خبز أمي وقهوةِ أمي ولمسةِ أمي .. وتكبر فيَّ الطفولةُ يوماً على صدر يومِ و أعشق عمري لأني إذا متُّ أخجل من دمع أمي !
خذيني .. إذا عدتُ يوماً وشاحاً لهدبكْ وغطي عظامي بعشبٍ تعمَّد من طهر كعبكْ وشدِّي وثاقي.. بخصلة شعرٍ .. بخيطٍ يلوِّح في ذيل ثوبك.. عساني أصيرُ إلهًا إلهًا أصير .. إذا ما لمستُ قرارة قلبك !
Dearly I yearn for my mother’s bread, My mother’s coffee, Mother’s brushing touch. Childhood is raised in me, Day upon day in me. And I so cherish life Because if I died My mother’s tears would shame me.
Set me, if I return one day, As a shawl on your eyelashes, let your hand Spread grass out over my bones, Christened by your immaculate footsteps As on holy land. Fasten us with a lock of hair, With thread strung from the back of your dress. I could grow into godhood Commend my spirit into godhood If I but touch your heart’s deep breadth.
To all mothers and mother figures out there, عيد ام سعيد, Happy Mother’s Day!
Learn Arabic authentically with our native language partners from displaced backgrounds. Besides Modern Standard Arabic, NaTakallam offers Arabic in more than 7 dialects: Egyptian, Iraqi, Sudanese, Yemeni, and Levantine – Syrian, Palestinian, Lebanese.
P.S. Write to us and let us know if you use another term to refer to your mother in an Arabic dialect!
Credits: We would like to thank our Language Partner community for helping with the content, and Maria Thomas for copywriting the piece. Maria is a copywriter at NaTakallam and is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in art history. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, powerlifting and going on hikes.
Arabic offers beautiful, diverse ways to refer to one’s mother. Learn the meanings behind each expression—and read a poem on mothers by Mahmoud Darwish, the award-winning Palestinian poet.
From Modern Standard Arabic, or FusHa (فصحى), both terms are commonly used throughout the Arabic-speaking world to refer to mothers. Literally, Omm (أم) means “mother”, and Ommi (أمي) as “my mother”. Note that depending on the region and dialect, pronunciation will slightly different; for example, in parts of Syria, one may hear Emmi (إِمِّيْ), too.
Fairuz, a music icon from Lebanon uses this term in her famous song “Ommi el-Habiba” (أمي الحبيبة, My beloved mother).
2. Yumma (يُمّه) or Ommah (أماه)
In Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, parts of Saudi Arabia, and neighbouring Gulf countries, one often hears the term yumma (يُمّه) for mother. It is also common to use ommah (أماه) in Omani dialect, a shortened form of ya ommah (يا أماه), meaning “oh mother”.
3. Mama (ماما) or Mami (مامي)
In the Levantine dialect, and increasingly across the Gulf and North Africa, two of the terms used for mother are mama(ماما) or mami (مامي). Overall, mama or mami is common across the region and different languages – read more here on why words for “Mom” and “Dad” sound similar across the world!
4. Youm (يوم)
In Aleppo, Syria, one encounters the term youm (يوم) for mother.
5. Yamo (يامو)
In Damascus, Syria, a slightly varied term, yamo (يامو) is used for mothers.
Popular Damascene actor and director, Duraid Lahham, pays tribute to mothers in his song titled “Yamo Yamo“.
6. Lwalida (لوالدة) or Walida (والدة)
In the Moroccan dialect, one of the terms for mother is lwalida(لوالدة), with variations such as walida in neighbouring countries, or Lwalda in some parts of Tunis. Please note, there are many more variations in and within Arabic-speaking communities in North Africa.
An Arabic Poem on Mothers
Mothers are an epitome of love, warmth and selflessness. In their embrace, one finds hope, strength and protection. These sentiments are beautifully encapsulated in the award-winning Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish’s (1941-2008) poem titled, “To My Mother” (إلى أمي). Here is an excerpt:
أحنُ إلى خبز أمي وقهوةِ أمي ولمسةِ أمي .. وتكبر فيَّ الطفولةُ يوماً على صدر يومِ و أعشق عمري لأني إذا متُّ أخجل من دمع أمي !
خذيني .. إذا عدتُ يوماً وشاحاً لهدبكْ وغطي عظامي بعشبٍ تعمَّد من طهر كعبكْ وشدِّي وثاقي.. بخصلة شعرٍ .. بخيطٍ يلوِّح في ذيل ثوبك.. عساني أصيرُ إلهًا إلهًا أصير .. إذا ما لمستُ قرارة قلبك !
Dearly I yearn for my mother’s bread, My mother’s coffee, Mother’s brushing touch. Childhood is raised in me, Day upon day in me. And I so cherish life Because if I died My mother’s tears would shame me.
Set me, if I return one day, As a shawl on your eyelashes, let your hand Spread grass out over my bones, Christened by your immaculate footsteps As on holy land. Fasten us with a lock of hair, With thread strung from the back of your dress. I could grow into godhood Commend my spirit into godhood If I but touch your heart’s deep breadth.
To all mothers and mother figures out there, عيد ام سعيد, Happy Mother’s Day!
Learn Arabic authentically with our native language partners from displaced backgrounds. Besides Modern Standard Arabic, NaTakallam offers Arabic in more than 7 dialects: Egyptian, Iraqi, Sudanese, Yemeni, and Levantine – Syrian, Palestinian, Lebanese.
P.S. Write to us and let us know if you use another term to refer to your mother in an Arabic dialect!
Credits: We would like to thank our Language Partner community for helping with the content, and Maria Thomas for copywriting the piece. Maria is a copywriter at NaTakallam and is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in art history. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, powerlifting and going on hikes.
Ummi, Amma, Mama. These are some of the first words we ever learn—and here are some of the ways you can say it in Arabic. In honor of Mother’s Day, celebrated on March 21 every year in the Arab world to coincide with the beginning of spring, let’s look at some ways to say “mom” in Arabic!
Arabic offers beautiful, diverse ways to refer to one’s mother. Learn the meanings behind each expression—and read a poem on mothers by Mahmoud Darwish, the award-winning Palestinian poet.
From Modern Standard Arabic, or FusHa (فصحى), both terms are commonly used throughout the Arabic-speaking world to refer to mothers. Literally, Omm (أم) means “mother”, and Ommi (أمي) as “my mother”. Note that depending on the region and dialect, pronunciation will slightly different; for example, in parts of Syria, one may hear Emmi (إِمِّيْ), too.
Fairuz, a music icon from Lebanon uses this term in her famous song “Ommi el-Habiba” (أمي الحبيبة, My beloved mother).
2. Yumma (يُمّه) or Ommah (أماه)
In Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, parts of Saudi Arabia, and neighbouring Gulf countries, one often hears the term yumma (يُمّه) for mother. It is also common to use ommah (أماه) in Omani dialect, a shortened form of ya ommah (يا أماه), meaning “oh mother”.
3. Mama (ماما) or Mami (مامي)
In the Levantine dialect, and increasingly across the Gulf and North Africa, two of the terms used for mother are mama(ماما) or mami (مامي). Overall, mama or mami is common across the region and different languages – read more here on why words for “Mom” and “Dad” sound similar across the world!
4. Youm (يوم)
In Aleppo, Syria, one encounters the term youm (يوم) for mother.
5. Yamo (يامو)
In Damascus, Syria, a slightly varied term, yamo (يامو) is used for mothers.
Popular Damascene actor and director, Duraid Lahham, pays tribute to mothers in his song titled “Yamo Yamo“.
6. Lwalida (لوالدة) or Walida (والدة)
In the Moroccan dialect, one of the terms for mother is lwalida(لوالدة), with variations such as walida in neighbouring countries, or Lwalda in some parts of Tunis. Please note, there are many more variations in and within Arabic-speaking communities in North Africa.
An Arabic Poem on Mothers
Mothers are an epitome of love, warmth and selflessness. In their embrace, one finds hope, strength and protection. These sentiments are beautifully encapsulated in the award-winning Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish’s (1941-2008) poem titled, “To My Mother” (إلى أمي). Here is an excerpt:
أحنُ إلى خبز أمي وقهوةِ أمي ولمسةِ أمي .. وتكبر فيَّ الطفولةُ يوماً على صدر يومِ و أعشق عمري لأني إذا متُّ أخجل من دمع أمي !
خذيني .. إذا عدتُ يوماً وشاحاً لهدبكْ وغطي عظامي بعشبٍ تعمَّد من طهر كعبكْ وشدِّي وثاقي.. بخصلة شعرٍ .. بخيطٍ يلوِّح في ذيل ثوبك.. عساني أصيرُ إلهًا إلهًا أصير .. إذا ما لمستُ قرارة قلبك !
Dearly I yearn for my mother’s bread, My mother’s coffee, Mother’s brushing touch. Childhood is raised in me, Day upon day in me. And I so cherish life Because if I died My mother’s tears would shame me.
Set me, if I return one day, As a shawl on your eyelashes, let your hand Spread grass out over my bones, Christened by your immaculate footsteps As on holy land. Fasten us with a lock of hair, With thread strung from the back of your dress. I could grow into godhood Commend my spirit into godhood If I but touch your heart’s deep breadth.
To all mothers and mother figures out there, عيد ام سعيد, Happy Mother’s Day!
Learn Arabic authentically with our native language partners from displaced backgrounds. Besides Modern Standard Arabic, NaTakallam offers Arabic in more than 7 dialects: Egyptian, Iraqi, Sudanese, Yemeni, and Levantine – Syrian, Palestinian, Lebanese.
P.S. Write to us and let us know if you use another term to refer to your mother in an Arabic dialect!
Credits: We would like to thank our Language Partner community for helping with the content, and Maria Thomas for copywriting the piece. Maria is a copywriter at NaTakallam and is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in art history. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, powerlifting and going on hikes.
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