Translation guide
The English word "mum" can refer to a mother, a request for silence, or the act of keeping quiet. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
To refer to one's mother in an informal, affectionate way, equivalent to British 'mum' or American 'mom'.
The standard, warm way to say 'mum' or 'mom' in Japanese. Used when addressing or referring to one's own mother.
Mum, what's for dinner tonight?
Humble form used when talking about your own mother to others. Not used to address her directly.
Casual, affectionate term similar to 'mummy' or 'mama'. Often used by children or in close family settings.
Formal, objective term for 'mother'. Used in official contexts or when speaking generally about mothers.
To tell someone to be quiet or to describe the state of being silent, as in 'keep mum'.
Direct command meaning 'be quiet' or 'shut up'. Can be softened with ください.
Can sound harsh without ください. Use 静かに for a softer request.
Keep mum!
Polite request to be quiet, literally 'do quietly'. Suitable for most situations.
Please keep mum.
Literally 'to shut one's mouth', used for keeping silent about a secret or refusing to speak.
Formal term for 'remaining silent', especially in legal or official contexts.
The suspect exercised the right to remain mum.
To refrain from revealing information, as in 'mum's the word'.
Common phrase meaning 'to keep secret'. Used among friends and family.
Keep mum about this, okay?
More direct 'to keep secret'. Slightly more formal than 内緒.
He kept mum about the plan.
Describes a person who is tight-lipped, literally 'mouth is hard'. Used to praise someone who keeps secrets.
Archaic or formal phrase meaning 'do not tell others', often seen in historical contexts.
お母さん is used when addressing your own mother or talking about her within the family. 母 is the humble form used when speaking about your mother to people outside your family. Using お母さん to refer to someone else's mother is polite, but to your own in formal settings is incorrect.
My mum said so.
How is your mum?
The English 'mum' meaning silence does not directly translate to a single Japanese word. Use context-appropriate phrases like 黙って or 静かに for commands, and 内緒 for secrets.
She kept mum about the surprise party.
My mum is good at cooking.
Mum, buy me that stuffed toy!
彼は母親の影響を強く受けた。
He was strongly influenced by his mum.
He kept mum about the matter.
She keeps mum, so I can talk freely.
Keep mum about this story, I beg you.