HeyRuaHow to say “mammy” in Irish
- Irish:
- mamaí
- English:
- mammy
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAM-ee” /ˈmˠamˠiː/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- mamaí, na mamaí (e.g. póg na mamaí, the mammy's kiss)
What does “mamaí” mean?
- mammy
- An informal, affectionate word for a mother, used especially by and to children.Also: mummy, mommy, mum, mom.
Other Irish words for mammy: mama (mammy)
“Mamaí” with the article
Here is mamaí after the article (an t-alt).
an mhamaí
the mammy
Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)
“Mamaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using mamaí, the Irish word for mammy.
Tá mé fuar, a Mhamaí.
I'm cold, Mammy.
Cá bhfuil Mamaí inniu?
Where is Mammy today?
Tá mo mhamaí ag obair sa siopa.
My mammy is working in the shop.
Seo mála Mhamaí.
This is Mammy's bag.
A Mhamaí, an féidir liom dul amach?
Mammy, can I go out?
Thug Mamaí milseáin dom.
Mammy gave me sweets.
Rinne an páiste cárta do Mhamaí.
The child made a card 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 mamaí (pronounced “MAM-ee”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce mamaí in Irish?
Mamaí is said like “MAM-ee” (IPA /ˈmˠamˠiː/).
Does mamaí have a plural?
No plural form is given for mamaí in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does mamaí change to mhamaí?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhamaí. After ár (our) it stays ár mamaí, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'mamaí' and 'máthair'?
'Máthair' is the standard word for mother, while 'mamaí' is the informal, childlike word like 'mammy' or 'mummy'. You would write 'mo mháthair' in a formal text but a child calls out 'a Mhamaí!'.
