Ti voglio bene, mamma
The English phrase "I love you, mum" is translated into Italian as Ti voglio bene, mamma.
Other informal ways to express similar sentiments include Ti amo, Mamma, Ti voglio un mondo di bene, Mamma to mean "I want a whole world of good for you, Mum" or Ti adoro, Mamma for "I adore you, Mum". You can also use the endearing term Mammina to refer to a mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Ti voglio bene literally translates to "I want well for you" or "I wish you well".
Which one should you use?
In Italian, there is a distinction between types of love. Use Ti voglio bene for family and friends, but reserve Ti amo only for romantic partners. Additionally, while mamma is the affectionate term used in this phrase, madre is the more formal and biological term for "mother".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, mamma is the standard Italian term for "mum" or "mom".
Did you know?
- In Italy, the cultural concept of mammismo describes the powerful and often lifelong emotional bond between an adult son and his mamma.
- The word mamma comes from the Latin mamma, which was an onomatopoeic word mimicking the natural sounds babies make.
- While Ti voglio bene is used for mothers, the same phrase is also the standard way to say 'I love you' to a pet, a sibling or a best friend.
Examples in context
- Mammina, ti amo così tanto!Mum, I love you so much!
- Sei il mio tutto, Mamma. Ti amo più di ogni altra cosa.You are my everything, Mum. I love you more than anything else.
- Ti voglio bene, mamma, sei la migliore.I love you, mum, you are the best.
- Volevo solo dirti: ti voglio bene, mamma.I just wanted to tell you: I love you, mum.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are visiting their mother on her birthday.
- SofiaTi voglio bene, mamma.I love you, mum.
- LorenzoAnche noi, mamma!Us too, mum!
- SofiaSei speciale per noi.You are special to us.
- LorenzoGrazie per tutto.Thank you for everything.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bene, mamma, ti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
