mamma
/mama/
The Norwegian word for mom is mamma.
mamma is an informal way to refer to a mother.
Which one should you use?
While mamma is the informal equivalent of 'mom', the term mor is used as the more formal or standard term for 'mother'.
How do you pronounce it?
/mama/
Did you know?
- The term morsom meaning 'funny' is derived from mor, though it now describes humor rather than motherhood.
- The word mor is so versatile that it is used in the compound mormor, which literally means 'mother-mother' to designate a maternal grandmother.
- The distinction between the informal mamma and the more formal mor is so sharp that using mor to your own mother in a casual setting can sound jokingly dramatic or even slightly cold.
Examples in context
- Mamma, jeg er sulten.Mom, I'm hungry.This sentence shows how to use mamma to express hunger.Tatoeba #2844298 by eirik174, translation #2764199 by CK
- Når kommer mamma hjem?When is Mom coming home?This sentence shows how to ask about mamma's arrival home.Tatoeba #14060346 by Mayk, translation #4856292 by Hybrid
- Mamma! Hector plager meg!Mom! Hector's bugging me!This sentence shows how to use mamma when complaining about someone.Tatoeba #10941308 by Mayk, translation #911157 by papabear
- Jeg er så takknemlig for alt du gjør for meg, mamma.I am so grateful for everything you do for me, mom.
- Kan du hjelpe meg med dette, mor?Can you help me with this, mom?
- Mor/morri, du er verdens beste!Mom, you are the best in the world!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jakob and Emma are talking at the kitchen table.
- JakobHar mamma ringt deg i dag?Has mom called you today?
- EmmaNei, mamma har ikke ringt ennå.No, mom hasn't called yet.
- JakobJeg skal ringe mamma senere.I will call mom later.
- EmmaDet er en god idé.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mamma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
