父母 (fù mǔ) means parents - literally father (父) and mother (母). It is the standard written and formal term for parents. In spoken Mandarin, 爸妈 (bà mā) is more colloquial and warmer. 父母 is used in formal contexts (父母双方, both parents), official forms, and writing. The concept of filial piety towards parents (孝顺父母) is a central cultural value in Chinese society.