Salve, nomen mihi est
[ˈsaɫ.weː ˈnoː.mɛn ˈmi.(ɦ)iː ˈɛst]word by word
Salve, nomen mihi est is how to say 'hello, my name is' in Latin.
This phrase is a greeting used when introducing yourself to another person for the first time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nomen mihi est literally translates to 'the name is to me' rather than 'my name is'. Here, nomen means 'name'.
Which one should you use?
Use Salve, nomen mihi est when speaking to a single listener. If you are introducing yourself to multiple listeners, use Salvēte, nomen mihi est.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group, the greeting changes from the singular Salve to the plural Salvēte.
Did you know?
- The greeting Salve comes from a verb meaning 'to be well' or 'to be in good health'. When you say it, you are literally commanding the other person to be healthy.
- The word est in this phrase is a homonym. While here it means 'is', it can also be a form of the Latin verb edō which means 'to eat'.
- Romans did not always use a phrase like nomen mihi est to introduce themselves. In formal contexts, they often simply stated their name preceded by the word sum, meaning 'I am'.
Examples in context
- Salve, nomen meum est Marcus.Hello, my name is Marcus.
- Ave, vocor Julia.Hello, my name is Julia.
- Salve, nomen mihi est Antonius.Hello, my name is Antonius.
- Salve, nomen mihi est Gaius.Hello, my name is Gaius.
Example conversation
Two students meet for the first time in a classroom.
- AureliaSalve, nomen mihi est Aurelia.Hello, my name is Aurelia.
- QuintusSalve, Aurelia! Ego sum Quintus.Hello, Aurelia! I am Quintus.
- AureliaUnde venis, Quinte?Where do you come from, Quintus?
- QuintusEx Roma venio.I come from Rome.
