momia
/ˈmomja/
The English phrase 'mummy' can be translated into Spanish as momia or as mamá.
Use momia to refer to a preserved body. Use mamá to refer to a mother in the way a child or person would say 'mummy' or 'mom'.
Meaning: child's term for mother (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term momia refers specifically to a preserved corpse. In contrast, the term for a child's 'mummy' or 'mom' is mamá.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmomja/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use momia when you are trying to call out to your mother. Use mamá instead.
Did you know?
- The word momia is used not only for ancient Egyptian corpses but also as a colloquial term for someone who is extremely old or frail.
- The Spanish word momia originates from the Persian word mum, meaning 'wax'. This refers to the bitumen or resin used in the ancient embalming process.
- While English uses 'mummy' for both a parent and a corpse, Spanish is logically divided, meaning there is no single word that can be used as a pun to describe a 'mother who is a mummy'.
Examples in context
- Hizo resucitar a la momia.He brought the mummy back to life.This sentence uses momia to describe a resurrected corpse.Tatoeba #8034079 by Seael, translation #8034070 by Amastan
- Vimos una momia en el museo.We saw a mummy at the museum.This sentence uses momia to describe an object seen in a museum.Tatoeba #1129763 by Shishir, translation #249157 by CK
- Hemos visto una momia en el museo.We saw a mummy in the museum.Tatoeba #1122740 by ildefonk, translation #9346449 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Mamita, me ayudas con esto?Mommy, can you help me with this?
- Mami, te quiero mucho.Mummy, I love you very much.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A child is talking to his father about his mother.
- Elena¿Dónde está mi momia?Where is my mummy?
- AlejandroTu momia está en la cocina, Alejandro.Your mummy is in the kitchen, Alejandro.
- ElenaQuiero ir con mi momia ahora.I want to go with my mummy now.
- AlejandroVamos juntos a buscarla, Elena.Let's go look for her together, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry momia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries momia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
