hola, me llamo Lily
The English phrase "hello, my name is Lily" is translated into Spanish as hola, me llamo Lily.
This phrase is a greeting used when introducing yourself to another person for the first time.
What does it mean word for word?
The part me llamo literally translates to "I call myself" rather than "my name is".
Which one should you use?
While mi nombre es (my name is) is grammatically correct, using me llamo is the much more natural and common way to introduce yourself in Spanish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you can say Hola, me llamo Lily. In Mexico, one can say Hola, soy Lily, and in Spain, Hola, mi nombre es Lily. is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb llamar in me llamo is a reflexive verb, which is why the pronoun me is required.
Did you know?
- Spanish has no single word for 'first name', so speakers often use nombre de pila, which literally means 'baptismal name'.
- Ancient speakers of Old High German used a similar word holā as a loud shout to hail a ferryman across a river.
- While you are learning me llamo to introduce yourself, the word llamar is also used when you want to say you are 'calling' someone on the telephone.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola! Mi nombre es Lily. ¿Cómo te llamas?Hello! My name is Lily. What's your name?
- Hola, me llamo Lily. ¿Y usted?Hi, I'm Lily. And you?
- Hola, me llamo Lily.Hello, my name is Lily.
- Mucho gusto, hola, me llamo Lily.Nice to meet you, hello, my name is Lily.
- Hola, me llamo Lily y soy nueva aquí.Hello, my name is Lily and I am new here.
Example conversation
Two people meeting at a social gathering.
- AlejandroHola, me llamo Alejandro.Hello, my name is Alejandro.
- LucíaHola, me llamo Lily, mucho gusto.Hello, my name is Lily, nice to meet you.
- AlejandroEl gusto es mío, Lily.The pleasure is mine, Lily.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro.Thank you, Alejandro.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hola, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
