bonjour, je m'appelle
The English phrase "hello, my name is" is translated into French as bonjour, je m'appelle.
This phrase is used to greet someone and introduce yourself by stating your name.
What does it mean word for word?
The part je m'appelle literally translates to "I call myself".
Which one should you use?
While English speakers say "my name is", French speakers more commonly use the reflexive verb structure je m'appelle.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal situation, you can use Permettez-moi de me présenter, je suis [your name] (Allow me to introduce myself, I am [your name]). For informal situations, you can use Salut, je m'appelle [your name] (Hi, my name is [your name]). In very casual and familiar settings, you can use Coucou, je suis [your name] (Hey there, I am [your name]).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase je m'appelle uses a reflexive pronoun m’ which refers back to the subject je.
Did you know?
- In French, the gesture of a 'la bise' or cheek kiss often accompanies an introduction like bonjour, je m'appelle, but the number of kisses varies by region and can range from two to four.
- If you use the extremely casual coucou to introduce yourself, you are using a term that is also the standard onomatopoeia for the sound a bird makes.
- The verb appeler in je m'appelle is the same root used in the English word 'appellation', which refers to the act of naming something.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, je m'appelle Marc.Hello, my name is Marc.
- Bonjour, je m'appelle Sophie et je suis nouvelle ici.Hello, my name is Sophie and I am new here.
- Bonjour, je m'appelle Thomas, enchanté.Hello, my name is Thomas, nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Two people meeting at a social event.
- LucasBonjour, je m'appelle Lucas.Hello, my name is Lucas.
- LéaBonjour Lucas, moi c'est Léa.Hello Lucas, I am Léa.
- LucasEnchanté de vous rencontrer, Léa.Nice to meet you, Léa.
- LéaEnchantée également.Nice to meet you too.
