Italian · People & Family
"Mother-in-law" in Italian: suocera
la suocera
Mother-in-law in Italian is la suocera (lah SWOH-cheh-rah). Together with the father-in-law they are i suoceri. Use lei until she offers tu.
Sunday plans
Mia suocera prepara il ragù ogni domenica.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce suocera
Say it
lah SWOH-cheh-rah
/ˈswɔ.tʃe.ra/
Suocera stresses SWOH: SWOH-cheh-rah. Soft ch as in church.
"Mother-in-law" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la suocera | the mother-in-law Default noun. | Default noun. |
| mia suocera | my mother-in-law Talking about her. | Talking about her. |
| i suoceri | the parents-in-law Both parents. | Both parents. |
| da mia suocera | at my mother-in-law's Visiting her place. | Visiting her place. |
How to use suocera in real life
- 1Sunday plans
Mia suocera prepara il ragù ogni domenica.
My mother-in-law makes ragù every Sunday.
Mia suocera without article.
- 2Gift idea
Che regalo prendo per la suocera?
What gift should I get for my mother-in-law?
La suocera when context is clear.
- 3Phone update
La suocera chiama per sapere a che ora arriviamo.
My mother-in-law is calling to ask what time we arrive.
Everyday family logistics.
Mistakes English speakers make with suocera
Incorrect: Il suocera cucina bene.
Correct: La suocera cucina bene.
Suocera is feminine; suocero is masculine.
Incorrect: Vado alla casa di mia suocera.
Correct: Vado da mia suocera.
Prefer da + person for at someone's home.
Good to know
Jokes about the suocera are a classic Italian comedy trope, but in real life Sunday lunch diplomacy still matters. Bring something small and arrive hungry.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Deciding what to bring to lunch
ChatPal
Tua suocera beve vino bianco o rosso?
Does your mother-in-law drink white or red wine?
You
Bianco. La suocera apre sempre una bottiglia a pranzo.
White. My mother-in-law always opens a bottle at lunch.
ChatPal
Allora prendiamo quello.
Then let's get that.
You
Sì — mia suocera sarà contenta.
Yes — my mother-in-law will be happy.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Mother-in-law" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Mother-in-law" in Italian
What is the masculine form?
Suocero, father-in-law.
How do I say parents-in-law?
I suoceri.
Tu or lei with suocera?
Start with lei unless she switches you to tu.
How do I say at my mother-in-law's?
Da mia suocera.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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