mamma mia
/mamma mja/from spelling rules
The phrase mamma mia is used in Spanish to mean "mamma mia".
Spanish speakers often use alternative informal exclamations like ¡Ay, caramba! or ¡Caray! to express surprise or frustration or ¡Ay, Dios mío! to convey surprise, excitement or disbelief.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word madre is used in the phrase madre mía, but in Mexican slang, madre is used in dozens of contradictory expressions to mean anything from 'everything' to 'nothing'.
- If you use mamma mia in a Spanish-speaking country, people will assume you are quoting an Italian song or an American movie. A local would much prefer the native-sounding ¡Madre mía! to express the same shock.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are looking at a very expensive menu at a restaurant.
- María¡Mamma mia, mira los precios de este sitio!Mamma mia, look at the prices at this place!
- MateoTienes razón, María, es demasiado caro.You're right, María, it's too expensive.
- MaríaVámonos a otro restaurante ahora mismo.Let's go to another restaurant right now.
- MateoEstoy de acuerdo, Mateo busca otro sitio.I agree, Mateo is looking for another place.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
