母亲 mǔqin mother
How to remember 母亲: 母 mother + 亲 kin = mother.
Characters
How it is used
- Formal/written word for mother - used in writing, respectful speech, and set phrases like 母亲节 (mǔqīn jié) Mother's Day.
- Everyday spoken address is 妈妈 (māma) or 妈; you wouldn't call out 母亲 to your own mom in casual talk.
- Parallel to 父亲 (fùqīn, father). Note 亲 here is qīn (relative), neutral tone in 母亲: mǔqin.
Example sentences
- 这是我母亲。 Zhè shì wǒ mǔqīn.This is my mother.
- 我爱我的母亲。 Wǒ ài wǒ de mǔqin.I love my mother.
- 我母亲十分生气。 Wǒ mǔqīn shífēn shēngqì.My mother is quite angry.