Also means
mommy
Usage Note
Maman is the warm, childhood word for one's mother, the equivalent of 'mom' rather than the formal mère. Grown adults still use it freely, and it pairs naturally with papa. Mother's Day uses the formal word in its name, but at home everyone simply calls out Maman.
Examples
"Maman fait un gâteau."
Natural Translation
Mom is making a cake.
Literal Translation
Mom makes a cake

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