Japanese · Family & People
お母さん
okaasan
Mother
Beginnernoun
Definition
The polite/respectful word for mother, used when referring to someone else's mother or addressing your own. The plain form is 母 (haha) when speaking about your own mother to others.
Example
お母さんはどこにいますか？
Where is your mother?
Etymology
'お母さん' (okaasan) combines the respectful prefix 'お' with '母' (haha), showcasing cultural nuances of familiarity and respect in Japanese family terms.
How & Where It’s Used
'お母さん' (okaasan) is an informal yet respectful term for 'mother,' commonly used among family and friends. It is also suitable in more formal contexts.