amma
[ˈam(ː)a]
The Icelandic word for grandma is amma.
amma is used to refer to a grandmother in an informal manner.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term Stóramma can be translated as "big grandma" and serves as an affectionate way to refer to a grandmother.
Did you know?
- The word amma is a linguistic survivor that has remained virtually unchanged from Old Norse for over a millennium.
- While stóramma literally translates to 'big grandma', it is frequently used in traditional households to specifically denote a great-grandmother.
- In Icelandic, amma is often used not just for biological grandmothers but as a term of endearment for any elderly woman who is perceived as a grandmother figure.
Examples in context
- Leigubílstjórinn ók svo greitt að amma fékk næstum því hjartaáfall.The taxi driver drove so fast that Grandma nearly had a heart attack.This sentence shows the use of amma in a descriptive context.Tatoeba #669483 by Swift, translation #9952883 by ravensfeather
- Amma mín er mjög góð að baka.My grandma is very good at baking.
Example conversation
Kristín and Ólafur are talking about their family plans.
- KristínHvar er amma núna?Where is grandma now?
- ÓlafurHún er í búðunum.She is at the shops.
- KristínÉg vil gefa ammu þessa gjöf.I want to give grandma this gift.
- ÓlafurHún mun elska það.She will love it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry amma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
