mamma
/ˈmam.ma/
The Italian word for mom is mamma.
mamma is an informal way to say "mom" in Italian.
Which one should you use?
While mamma is used for "mom", the word madre is the more formal or biological term for "mother".
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, use mamme (moms). You can also create the diminutive mammina (little mom or mommy) by adding the suffix -ina to express endearment.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈmam.ma/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, mamma is not only used for a mother but can also refer to a breast, which is the original anatomical meaning of the word.
- In some Italian dialects, mamma can be used as an exclamation of surprise or shock, similar to how an English speaker might say 'My goodness!'
- The word mamma is a central figure in the 'mammismo' phenomenon, a sociological term describing the strong and sometimes overprotective bond between Italian mothers and children.
Examples in context
- La mamma è qui?Is Mom here?This sentence is useful for asking if mamma is present.Tatoeba #5541951 by dnnywld, translation #5973368 by ApioDelPueblo
- E anche tua mamma.And your mom also.This sentence is useful for mentioning someone's mamma.Tatoeba #2534893 by Guybrush88, translation #434222 by lukaszpp
- Non sei mia mamma.You're not my mom.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not one's mamma.Tatoeba #2874954 by Guybrush88, translation #2843815 by Hybrid
- Ciao, mamma! Come stai?Hello, mom! How are you?
- Mamma, mi puoi aiutare con i compiti?Mom, can you help me with my homework?
- Piccola mammina, sei la luce della mia vita.Little mommy, you are the light of my life.
- 285 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are talking about their families.
- MatteoMia mamma cucina molto bene.My mom cooks very well.
- ChiaraDavvero? Anche la mia mamma è bravissima.Really? My mom is great too.
- MatteoVuoi venire a cena da mamma?Do you want to come to mom's for dinner?
- ChiaraSì, volentieri!Yes, I'd love to!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mamma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
