ciao, mi chiamo olivia
The English phrase "hello, my name is olivia" is translated into Italian as ciao, mi chiamo olivia.
This phrase is used to introduce yourself to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mi chiamo literally translates to "I call myself".
Which one should you use?
The word ciao is informal and is used for both "hello" and "goodbye". In formal situations, you should replace ciao with buongiorno to say "hello".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb used in mi chiamo is the reflexive verb chiamarsi, which is why the reflexive pronoun mi (myself) is placed before the verb.
When do people say it?
In Italy, greetings are often accompanied by a kiss on both cheeks (air kisses).
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Ciao, mi chiamo Olivia, piacere.Hello, my name is Olivia, nice to meet you.
- Ehi, ciao, mi chiamo Olivia!Hey, hello, my name is Olivia!
Example conversation
Two people meeting for the first time at a party.
- LorenzoCiao, come ti chiami?Hello, what is your name?
- SofiaCiao, mi chiamo Olivia.Hello, my name is Olivia.
- LorenzoPiacere di conoscerti, Olivia.Nice to meet you, Olivia.
- SofiaPiacere mio, Lorenzo.The pleasure is mine, Lorenzo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciao, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
