gnam
/ˈɲam/
In Italian, 'yum' is expressed as gnam.
The word gnam is an onomatopoeic expression used to indicate delight at the flavor of food, much like the English 'yum' or 'nom'.
Meaning: indicating delight at the flavor of food (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
gnam is an informal expression. For other informal ways to express that something is very yummy or fantastic, you can use Buonissimo!, Mmm, che bontà! or Dio mio, è divino!
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɲam/
Did you know?
- Italian children are often teased with the phrase gnam gnam when parents pretend to 'eat' their baby's cheeks or tummy during play.
- Because gnam is an onomatopoeic imitation of the sound of chewing, using it in a formal setting like a business lunch could be seen as surprisingly childish.
- While 'yum' in English is often a single syllable, the Italian gnam relies on a strong nasal sound that is produced by pressing the tongue against the palate.
Examples in context
- Gnam, questo cibo è delizioso!Yum, this food is delicious!This sentence shows how to use gnam to express that food is delicious.Tatoeba #13444604 by Guybrush88, translation #2096152 by gleki
- Gnam!Yum!This sentence provides a simple exclamation using gnam.Tatoeba #4582617 by Guybrush88, translation #13629634 by Babelball
- Gnam. Formaggio fritto.Yum. Fried cheese.This sentence demonstrates the use of gnam when tasting fried cheese.Tatoeba #11841801 by Guybrush88, translation #6600762 by Eccles17
- Deliziosa! È davvero una bomba gastronomica.Delicious! It's truly a gastronomic bomb.
- Buonissima! Rimarrà nella storia delle torte!So yummy! It will go down in cake history!
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are eating homemade pasta at home.
- GiuliaGnam, questa lasagna è incredibile!Yum, this lasagna is incredible!
- LorenzoSono contento che ti piaccia, Giulia.I am glad you like it, Giulia.
- GiuliaGnam, ne voglio ancora un po'.Yum, I want a little more.
- LorenzoPrendila pure, te ne sei meritata un'altra porzione.Go ahead, you deserve another portion.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yum” translations and entries gnam, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
