大妈 dàmā father's elder brother's wife
father's elder brother's wife; aunt (affectionate term for an elderly woman)
How to remember 大妈: 大 big + 妈 mother = father's elder brother's wife.
Characters
How it is used
- A friendly term of address for a middle-aged or older woman, "auntie," often for a stranger: 谢谢大妈 (xièxie dàmā) thanks, auntie.
- Carries a folksy, working-class flavor; 中国大妈 famously evokes square-dancing, bargain-hunting aunties.
- Contrast 阿姨 (āyí), which is more neutral and usable for a wider age range.