“Mother” in Japanese is 母 (はは), pronounced haha.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
Use 母 for your own mother when talking to others, and お母さん (okāsan) for someone else’s mother or when addressing your own. Children also say ママ.
Example sentences
- 母は先生です。はははせんせいです。My mother is a teacher.
- お母さんはお元気ですか。おかあさんはおげんきですか。How is your mother?
Related forms
| Meaning | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| polite / addressing | お母さん | おかあさん okāsan |
Quick practice
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FAQ
How do you say mother in Japanese?
Mother in Japanese is 母 (はは), pronounced “haha”.
How do you write mother in Japanese?
It's written 母 with kanji, or はは in hiragana. Both are read haha.
Is 母 on the JLPT?
Yes. 母 (haha) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.