mummo
/ˈmumːo/
The Finnish word for grandma is mummo. Wiktionary also lists mummi.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA |
|---|---|
| mummo | /ˈmumːo/ |
| mummi | /ˈmumːi/ |
Mummo and mummi are informal terms used to refer to a grandmother.
Which one should you use?
Mummo is the more common, standard way to say 'grandma' in everyday Finnish. In contrast, mummi is often used by very young children or carries a more diminutive, affectionate sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural nominative, 'grandmas', use mummot.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmumːo/
Did you know?
- The word mummo originated from the Swedish word mormor, which specifically means 'mother's mother'.
- While mummo is affectionate, it can also be used colloquially to describe an elderly woman who is not a relative.
- The word mummo is often paired with ukko (grandfather) in folklore and traditional storytelling to represent a prototypical elderly couple.
Examples in context
- Se on mun mummo.She's my grandma.This sentence is useful for showing how to use mummo to identify someone.Tatoeba #10333847 by Silja, translation #6008218 by CannedBread
- Jopa mummoni osaa lähettää tekstiviestin.Even my grandma can send an SMS.This sentence shows the use of the genitive form of mummo.Tatoeba #5293602 by Orava, translation #943807 by Scott
- Mummi unohti taas kerran ottaa lääkkeensä.Grandma forgot to take her pills again.This sentence demonstrates the use of mummi.Tatoeba #3391271 by Silja, translation #3391103 by Hybrid
- Huomenta, Mummi!Good morning, Grandma!
- Kiitos, Isoäiti!Thank you, Grandma!
- Hei Mummo, mitä kuuluu?Hi Grandma, how are you?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Antti and Sofia are looking at an old family photograph.
- AnttiKuka tämä nainen on kuvassa?Who is this woman in the photo?
- SofiaHän on minun mummo.She is my grandma.
- AnttiHän näyttää oikein kilttiä.She looks very kind.
- SofiaMummo on kaikkein lempein ihminen.Grandma is the gentlest person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandma” translations and entries mummo, mummi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mummo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
