mammina
The English phrase "mommy" is translated into Italian as mammina.
mammina is an affectionate or childish term for one's mother.
Which one should you use?
While mamma is the standard word for mother, mammina is a more affectionate, diminutive form used to express endearment.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mammina is highly informal. It is typically used by children or by adults when speaking to or about their mothers in a very affectionate, sometimes patronizing, way. The term mamma is also commonly used informally as a term of endearment.
Did you know?
- Italian has a specific word, mammismo, to describe the cultural phenomenon of an intense and sometimes suffocating attachment to the mamma.
- While mammina is a common term of endearment, using it to refer to a woman who is not your biological mother can be seen as highly condescending or even insulting.
- In Italy, adults often use mamma throughout their lives, and it is not uncommon for grown men to refer to their mother this way in public.
Examples in context
- Dov'è la tua mammina?Where is your mommy?This sentence is useful for asking where someone's mammina is.Tatoeba #4562097 by Guybrush88, translation #4494793 by CK
- Dov'è mammina?Where's my mommy?This sentence is useful for asking where one's own mammina is.Tatoeba #2286933 by hitori37, translation #2254646 by CK
- La mia mamma è un insegnante molto professionale.My mother is a very professional teacher.
- Ho visto un bel film con la mia mamma ieri sera.I watched a nice movie with my mom last night.
- Sono così grata alla mia mammina per tutto quello che ha fatto per me.I'm so grateful to my mommy for everything she has done for me.
- Vieni qui, mammina!Come here, mommy!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A young boy calls out to his mother in the living room.
- LorenzoMammina, ho fame!Mommy, I'm hungry!
- GiuliaArrivo subito, tesoro.I'm coming right now, sweetheart.
- LorenzoMi prepari la pasta?Will you make me pasta?
- GiuliaCerto, Lorenzo, tra un minuto.Of course, Lorenzo, in one minute.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
