cześć, mam na imię
The English phrase "hello, my name is" is translated into Polish as cześć, mam na imię.
This phrase is a friendly greeting used when introducing yourself to someone for the first time. It is important to note that mam na imię is used specifically for a person's first name (given name), not their surname.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mam na imię literally translates to "I have for name".
Which one should you use?
While cześć, mam na imię is used for an informal introduction, dzień dobry, nazywam się is the formal way to say "good day, my name is".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase mam na imię, the word mam is the first-person singular present tense of the verb mieć (to have).
Did you know?
- Beyond being a greeting, the word cześć also means 'honor' or 'glory' in Polish. Using it to say 'hello' is akin to wishing someone honor.
- Polish grammar requires names to change their endings in certain contexts. After saying mam na imię, the name remains in its original form, but in other sentences, the name must be declined.
- The informal cześć is highly versatile and can be used both as a greeting when you arrive and a farewell when you leave. It functions similarly to the English 'hi' and 'bye' combined.
Examples in context
- Dzień dobry, nazywam się Anna Kowalska.Good day, my name is Anna Kowalska.
- Cześć, jestem Tomek.Hi, I am Tomek.
- Cześć, mam na imię Marek.Hello, my name is Marek.
- Cześć, mam na imię Anna.Hello, my name is Anna.
- Cześć, mam na imię Piotr i miło mi cię poznać.Hello, my name is Piotr and nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Tomasz are meeting at a social gathering.
- AgnieszkaCześć, mam na imię Agnieszka.Hello, my name is Agnieszka.
- TomaszCześć, mam na imię Tomasz. Miło mi cię poznać.Hello, my name is Tomasz. Nice to meet you.
- AgnieszkaMnie również.Nice to meet you too.
- TomaszJak się masz?How are you?
