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.
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.
ミイラ、今日の夕飯は何？
Mummy, what's for dinner tonight? (This is wrong and offensive.)
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.
イギリスでは「mummy」は「ママ」の意味です。
In the UK, 'mummy' means 'mom'.
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.
古文書に「木乃伊」と記されていた。
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.
お母さん、今日の夕飯は何？
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'.
母は料理が上手です。
My mother is good at cooking.