How to Say “Called” in Spanish: Formal and Informal Ways, Tips, and Examples

In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “called” in Spanish, both formally and informally. Whether you are learning the language for travel, work, or personal reasons, understanding how to express this common English term in Spanish will greatly enhance your communication skills. We will also provide tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary. Let’s get started!

Formal Ways to Say “Called” in Spanish

When speaking formally or in professional settings, it’s important to use the appropriate terms to convey respect and demonstrate your language proficiency. Here are some formal ways to say “called” in Spanish:

1. llamado/a: This is the standard term for “called” in Spanish and can be used in both gender-neutral and gender-specific contexts. For example:
   
   

   “El profesor llamado Juan”

   “La conferencia llamada ‘Desafíos Globales'”

2. denominado/a: This term is often used in formal or academic contexts to indicate something is “called” or “known as.” For instance:
   
   

   “El fenómeno denominado cambio climático”

   “La enfermedad denominada diabetes”

3. designado/a: This word is commonly used when someone is appointed or designated as something. In such cases, you can translate “called” as “designado/a” in Spanish. Here are a couple of examples:
   
   

   “El embajador designado por el gobierno”

   “La persona designada como líder del equipo”

4. apodado/a: When someone is given a nickname, you can use the term “apodado/a” to mean “called” in Spanish. Consider these examples:
   
   

   “El futbolista apodado ‘El Matador'”

   “Mi amiga apodada ‘La Risueña'”

Informal Ways to Say “Called” in Spanish

In informal settings, such as with friends, family, or in casual conversations, you can use more relaxed and colloquial terms to express “called.” Here are some informal ways to say “called” in Spanish:

1. llamado(a) / llamada: Similar to the formal term, “llamado/a” can also be used in informal contexts. However, the neat feature of informal speech is that you can drop the final -o or -a. For example:
   
   

   “El chico llamado Juan”

   “La película llamada ‘El Resplandor'”

2. llamarse: Instead of using a direct translation of “called,” you can use the reflexive verb “llamarse” which means “to be called.” Here’s how you can use it:
   
   

   “El restaurante se llama ‘La Parrilla'”

   “El libro se llama ‘Cien años de soledad'”

3. conocido/a como: This is another informal way to say “called” in Spanish, often used to express that something or someone is “known as.” Check out these examples:
   
   

   “La ciudad conocida como ‘La Perla del Pacífico'”

   “El actor conocido como ‘El Chavo del Ocho'”

Tips for Using “Called” in Spanish

Now that you have learned various ways to say “called” in Spanish, here are some useful tips to help you navigate the usage of these terms:

• Remember to match the gender and number of the noun when using terms like “llamado/a” or “denominado/a.” For example, “El libro llamado…” (masculine) or “La película llamada…” (feminine).
• When using “apodado/a,” make sure to put the nickname in quotation marks or use italics to indicate it is a nickname, like “El futbolista apodado ‘El Matador’.”
• In informal speech, dropping the final -o or -a in “llamado/a” is common. However, be cautious to maintain clarity and ensure the meaning is still understood by the listener.
• If you use “llamarse,” you must conjugate the verb according to the subject. For instance, “Yo me llamo…” (I am called), “El libro se llama…” (The book is called).
• Consider the context and relationship with the person you’re speaking to when choosing between formal and informal terms. It’s generally safer to start with a more polite option and adjust according to the situation.

Examples of Using “Called” in Spanish

Now, let’s see some practical examples that combine both formal and informal ways to say “called” in Spanish:

• Formal example: “El pintor llamado Diego Rivera es famoso por sus murales.”
• Informal example: “El pintor llamado (llamado/a) Diego Rivera es súper conocido por sus murales.”

• Formal example: “El libro denominado ‘Cien años de soledad’ fue escrito por Gabriel García Márquez.”
• Informal example: “El libro llamado ‘Cien años de soledad’ es una obra maestra de Gabriel García Márquez.”

Remember to use the appropriate term based on the level of formality you wish to convey. You can adapt these examples to various situations to make your conversations in Spanish more engaging and culturally appropriate.

Overall, having a good grasp of how to say “called” in Spanish allows you to express yourself accurately and build stronger connections with Spanish speakers. Whether you utilize the formal ways like “llamado/a” or the informal options such as “llamarse,” your efforts to learn and incorporate these terms will be greatly appreciated.

Enjoy your Spanish language journey and have fun exploring the diverse and vibrant world of Spanish-speaking cultures!