mà
The English word "mom" is translated into Sicilian as mà.
Which one should you use?
The term mamma is also used as an informal way to say "mom".
Did you know?
- In traditional Sicilian songs, the figure of the 'mamma' is often elevated to a quasi-religious status, sometimes being treated with more reverence than the 'Madonna'.
- Sicilian speakers often use mamma as a sudden exclamation of surprise or shock, similar to how an English speaker might say 'my goodness'.
- Sicilian has a deep tradition of 'mammismo', a social phenomenon describing an intense and lifelong emotional attachment between a mother and her children.
Examples in context
- Mi manca la mia mà.I miss my mom.
- Mà, veni ccà!Mom, come here!
Example conversation
Agata and Giuseppe are talking about a family dinner.
- AgataGiuseppe, tò mà veni a cena stasera?Giuseppe, is your mom coming to dinner tonight?
- GiuseppeSì, a mia mà veni cu mia sora.Yes, my mom is coming with my sister.
- AgataOttimu, prepara u pisci a mà.Great, my mom is preparing the fish.
- GiuseppeSaru tutti cuntenti di mangiaru.Everyone will be happy to eat it.
