Mayo
/ˈmaːjo/
Mayo is the German way to say mayo.
Mayo is a common, short form of the word for mayonnaise.
Which one should you use?
Mayonnaise is the standard, full term, whereas Mayo is the colloquial, shortened version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mayo is an informal shortening of Mayonnaise. Germans often use this term as a casual and popular alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
Mayo is a feminine noun and takes the definite article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmaːjo/
Did you know?
- Some Germans use the slang term Mayo-Fresse to describe a face that looks greasy or overly shiny.
- While 'Mayo' is an informal shortening, using the full word 'Mayonnaise' when ordering at a snack bar can actually make you sound overly formal or even slightly pretentious.
- In Germany, Mayo is frequently used as a base for Remoulade, a popular condiment that adds capers and pickles to the mayonnaise.
Examples in context
- Diese Mayo besteht nur aus Chemie!There are only chemicals in that mayo!This sentence is useful for expressing a complaint about the chemical content in Mayo.Tatoeba #1924231 by Zaghawa, translation #511195 by aandrusiak
- Die Mayonnaise ist reine Chemie.That mayo is nothing but chemicals!This sentence uses the full term Mayonnaise to state that it consists of pure chemicals.Tatoeba #511185 by aandrusiak, translation #511193 by aandrusiak
- Ja, bitte! Ich mag Mayonnaise auf meinem Burger.Yes, please! I like mayo on my burger.
- Möchtest du etwas Mayo auf deinen Burger?Do you want some mayo on your burger?
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are preparing sandwiches in the kitchen.
- FelixWo ist die Mayo?Where is the mayo?
- SarahSie steht im Kühlschrank, Felix.It is in the fridge, Felix.
- FelixIch finde sie nicht.I can't find it.
- SarahHier ist sie, hinter dem Käse.Here it is, behind the cheese.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Mayo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
