mamma
/ˈmam.ma/
The English phrase "mammy" translates to Italian as mamma.
mamma is an informal term used to mean "mom" or "mum" in English.
Meaning: child's name for mother (noun)
Which one should you use?
While mamma is the standard term for "mom", it is more affectionate and less formal than madre (mother).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mamma is le mamme.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st of 2 syllables. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈmam.ma/.
Did you know?
- The concept of mammismo describes a strong cultural attachment to the mother, often involving adult children who remain emotionally or financially dependent on her.
- The word mamma is inherited from the Latin mamma, which originally meant 'breast'.
- The double 'm' in mamma requires a much more pronounced, longer closure of the lips than the single 'm' in the English 'momma'.
Examples in context
- Grazie, mamma, per avermi aiutato a superare quel momento difficile.Thank you, mom, for helping me get through that difficult time.
- Mamma, mi aiuti con i compiti?Mom, can you help me with my homework?
- Ho comprato un fiore per la mamma.I bought a flower for mom.
- La mamma sta cucinando la cena.Mom is cooking dinner.
Example conversation
A child is calling out to his mother in the living room.
- FrancescoMamma, dove sono le mie scarpe?Mom, where are my shoes?
- SofiaSono sotto il divano, Francesco.They are under the sofa, Francesco.
- FrancescoGrazie, mamma!Thanks, mom!
- SofiaPrego, tesoro.You're welcome, honey.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mamma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mamma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
