Si chiama
The Italian phrase for "her name is" is Si chiama.
Si chiama is used to introduce a female person by stating her name. Depending on the context, it can mean "his name is", "her name is" or "your (formal) name is".
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Si chiama means "she calls herself". This is because it uses the reflexive verb chiamarsi, where the reflexive pronoun Si means "herself".
Which one should you use?
The phrase si chiama is gender-neutral and can mean "his name is", "her name is" or "your (formal) name is" depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word for "name" in Italian is nome, but it is not part of this specific verbal phrase.
Did you know?
- In Italian, you can ask someone's name using come si chiama, which literally asks 'how do you call yourself' rather than 'what is your name'. Using 'what' (che or cosa) in this context would sound unnatural to a native speaker.
- The verb chiamarsi is used for names of people, but it is also used for the names of cities, shops and brands. You would use si chiama to say 'the city is called' or 'the shop is called'.
- In Italian culture, when introducing someone with si chiama, it is common to accompany the phrase with a slight open-palm gesture toward the person being introduced.
Examples in context
- So come si chiama.I know what her name is.This sentence shows how to express knowing a person's name using Si chiama.Tatoeba #7767551 by Guybrush88, translation #7765014 by CK
- Non so come si chiama.I don't know what her name is.Tatoeba #3976233 by Guybrush88, translation #3627339 by karloelkebekio
- Lei si chiama Lucifera.Her name is Lucifera.This sentence provides a direct example of introducing a person using Si chiama.Tatoeba #500244 by Pharamp, translation #309791 by Barbiche0
- Il suo nome è Sofia.Her name is Sofia.
- Si chiama Martina.Her name is Martina.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are at a party when they meet a new person.
- GiuliaTi presento la mia amica.I would like to introduce my friend to you.
- FrancescoPiacere di conoscerti.Nice to meet you.
- GiuliaSi chiama Elena.Her name is Elena.
- FrancescoPiacere, Elena!Nice to meet you, Elena!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
