mamma
[ˈmam.ma]
The English word "mom" is translated into Latin as mamma.
mamma is an informal, nursery-style word used to refer to a mother.
Which one should you use?
While mamma is a casual term, mater is the standard, formal word for mother. You may also use matercula for an affectionate or diminutive way to say "darling mother".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mamma is used in informal, nursery-style contexts. For formal situations, use the word mater.
How does it change in a sentence?
mamma follows the first declension. This means the direct object form is mammam , and the genitive singular form (meaning "of mom") is mammae.
Did you know?
- In some Roman contexts, the word mamma could also refer to a breast, specifically a soft or fleshy part, which explains its use as a nursery term.
- In some Roman contexts, mamma was used not just for biological mothers but also for wet nurses who cared for infants.
- The term mamma may have been borrowed from the Ancient Greek word μάμμη, suggesting that the way children call for their mothers has been remarkably similar across different ancient cultures.
Examples in context
- Mamma ad macellum iit.Mom went to the supermarket.This sentence shows how to use mamma as a subject.Tatoeba #2734061 by Martka, translation #5985873 by CarpeLanam
- Mamma in febrim incidit.Mom has a fever.Tatoeba #8885822 by alexmarcelo, translation #1388214 by CK
- Quot annos nata est Mamma?How old is Mom?Tatoeba #10834651 by carlosalberto, translation #10834650 by carlosalberto
- Carissima mater, gaudeo te videre.Dearest mother, I am glad to see you.
- Salve, genetrix mea, quae vitam mihi donasti.Hail, my mother, who gave me life.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lucius are talking at home.
- JuliaUbi est mamma?Where is mom?
- LuciusMamma in horto est.Mom is in the garden.
- JuliaQuid mamma facit?What is mom doing?
- LuciusMamma flores colit.Mom is tending the flowers.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
