Translation guide
The English word 'mummy' can refer to a preserved body (especially from ancient Egypt) or, in British English, to one's mother. This guide covers both meanings, with a focus on natural Japanese expressions.
Referring to an embalmed or naturally preserved corpse, especially from ancient Egypt.
The standard Japanese word for a mummy, derived from Portuguese 'mirra' (myrrh). Used for Egyptian mummies and other preserved bodies.
Affectionate or informal term for one's mother, common in British English.
The most common equivalent for 'mummy' in Japanese, used by children and adults in casual contexts. Similar to 'mom' or 'mommy'.
The word ミイラ only means 'preserved corpse'. Using it to refer to your mother would be extremely rude and bizarre. For 'mummy' as mother, use ママ or お母さん.
Mummy, what's for dinner tonight? (This is wrong and offensive.)
博物館でエジプトのミイラを見た。
I saw an Egyptian mummy at the museum.
Ateji (kanji used phonetically) for 'mummy'. Rarely used; the katakana form ミイラ is overwhelmingly more common.
It was written as '木乃伊' in the old document.
ママ、おやつは何？
Mummy, what's for snack?
A polite and common way to refer to one's own mother when speaking to others, or to address her directly. More formal than 'mummy' but widely used.
Mum, what's for dinner tonight?
Humble form used when speaking about one's own mother to outsiders. Not used to address her directly. Too formal for the affectionate 'mummy'.
My mother is good at cooking.
In American English, 'mummy' almost exclusively means the preserved body; 'mommy' is used for mother. Japanese learners should be aware that the British usage of 'mummy' for mother corresponds to ママ in Japanese.
In the UK, 'mummy' means 'mom'.