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How to Say "Mother" in Italian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
madre
"Mother" in Italian 路 say it like MAH-dreh

The most natural way to say "Mother" in Italian is madre. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

mamma
more casual and affectionate, often used by children
mammina
a diminutive form, used affectionately

When to use it

You can use 'madre' in formal contexts or when referring to your mother in a respectful way. 'Mamma' is more common in everyday conversation, especially among children. Use 'mammina' when expressing affection or tenderness.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Mother" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Italian

ItalianEnglish
La mia madre 猫 molto gentile.My mother is very kind.
Mamma, posso avere un gelato?Mom, can I have an ice cream?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'madre' with 'mamma', thinking they are interchangeable in all contexts.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear madre, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Italian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'madre' and 'mamma'?

'Madre' is more formal, while 'mamma' is informal and affectionate.

Learn Italian by speaking it

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