1.
mom friend; fellow mother; mother acquaintance
A friend or acquaintance who is also a mother, typically met through children's activities.
ママ友 is a friend a mother makes through her children rather than through her own life — another parent met at daycare, at the park, or at a school event. The word names the relationship's origin, and implies a friendship that exists mainly in the context of raising children.
Common patterns
Contexts where mom friends are made
Related words
Cultural note
ママ友 relationships are a significant social phenomenon in Japan, often discussed in media for both positive support networks and occasional social pressure or drama.