mummo
/ˈmumːo/
The English phrase "nana" can be translated into Finnish as mummo.
The term is used by children as an informal way to refer to their grandmother.
Which one should you use?
Mummi is another informal term used for the same role.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈmumːo/.
Did you know?
- Because mummo originated as 'baby talk', using it as an adult can sometimes sound patronizing or overly affectionate depending on the tone.
- The term mummo actually traces its roots back to the Swedish word for 'maternal grandmother', mormor.
- The word mummo began its life as 'baby talk', a common way for infants to simplify complex words.
Examples in context
- Mummo tulee pian luoksemme.Grandmother is coming to us soon.
- Onko mummo jo kotona?Is grandmother already at home?
Example conversation
A young boy and girl are talking in the living room.
- MattiMissä mummo on?Where is grandmother?
- AnnaHän on keittiössä.She is in the kitchen.
- MattiMennäänkö katsomaan mummoa?Shall we go see grandmother?
- AnnaJoo, mennään vain!Yes, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mummo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mummo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
