mia mamma
The Italian phrase for "my mom" is mia mamma.
mia mamma is used to refer to one's own mother in an affectionate and informal way.
Which one should you use?
While mamma is the most common and widely used term for "mom" in Italian, unlike the formal madre, the common term mamma typically does not take the definite article when used with a possessive adjective in the singular.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mia mamma is an informal and affectionate way to refer to your mother. For more professional or serious contexts, you should use the formal mia madre (my mother). In strictly legal or official contexts, you might encounter the very formal phrase la mia genitrice (my female progenitor).
Did you know?
- In Italy, the phrase mamma is so central to the culture that there is a specific term, mammismo, to describe a strong emotional dependence on one's mother.
- The word mamma is an anatomical term in Latin, where it refers to a breast or mammary gland.
- The word mamma is used in the common Italian expression mamma mia, which can express anything from extreme shock to delight and has nothing to do with one's own mother.
Examples in context
- Non sei mia mamma.You're not my mom.This sentence is useful for showing how to deny a relationship using mia mamma.Tatoeba #2874954 by Guybrush88, translation #2843815 by Hybrid
- Lo dirò a mia mamma!I'll tell my mom!This sentence is useful for expressing a threat to tell one's mother using mia mamma.Tatoeba #8666866 by Guybrush88, translation #2179065 by Hybrid
- Non dirlo a mia mamma.Don't tell my mom.This sentence is useful for a request not to tell one's mother using mia mamma.Tatoeba #7059499 by Guybrush88, translation #3822375 by CK
- 111 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are talking about their weekend plans.
- MartinaCosa fai questo fine settimana?What are you doing this weekend?
- FrancescoVado a trovare mia mamma.I am going to visit my mom.
- MartinaChe bello, la tua mamma vive qui?How nice, does your mom live here?
- FrancescoSì, abita vicino a me.Yes, she lives near me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mamma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
