`` mother tongue`` = ``native language`` ????

`` mother tongue`` = ``native language`` ????

Is it correct to use the expresion `` mother tongue`` with the meaning of `` native language `` , ``the  language you`ve learned home``????
So english native italki friends , what do you think? I personally translate it as the tongue(organ) of a mother.
Thanks

For me, If I hear someone say "mother tongue" I will think "native language" or "Your first language." But to hear mother tongue as opposed to native language sounds.....a little weird to me. But know that both are acceptable. =)