HeyRuaHow to say “mammy” in Irish
- Irish:
- mama
- English:
- mammy, breast
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “MAM-uh” /ˈmˠamˠə/
- Plural:
- mamaí (mammies)
- Genitive singular:
- mama, an mhama (e.g. lámh a mama, her mammy's hand)
- Genitive plural:
- mamaí, na mamaí (e.g. cruinniú na mamaí, the mammies' meeting)
What does “mama” mean?
“Mama” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- mammy
- A child's or familiar word for a mother, often used when speaking to her directly.Also: mommy, mum, mummy, mama.
1 other meaning: breast
- 2breast
- A breast or teat, especially as a source of milk; a literary or anatomical word.Also: pap, teat, mamma.
Other Irish words for mammy: mamaí (mammy)
“Mama” with the article
The plural of mammy in Irish is mamaí. Here is mama after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Mama” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using mama, the Irish word for mammy.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Mammy in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for mammy?
The Irish for mammy is mama (pronounced “MAM-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is mamaí. Depending on context it can also mean breast.
How do you pronounce mama in Irish?
Mama is said like “MAM-uh” (IPA /ˈmˠamˠə/).
What is the plural of mammy in Irish?
The plural of mama is mamaí; with the article, na mamaí means “the mammies”. The genitive plural is mamaí, as in cruinniú na mamaí (the mammies' meeting).
Does mama have more than one meaning?
Yes. Mama can mean mammy or breast, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does mama change to mhama?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhama. After ár (our) it stays ár mama, because m does not take eclipsis.
Is 'mama' the same as 'máthair'?
No: 'máthair' is the standard word for mother, while 'mama' (like 'mam' or 'mamaí') is a familiar word children use, as in 'a Mhama'.
