שלום, שמי
shalom, shmi
The Hebrew phrase for "hi, my name is" is שלום, שמי (shalom, shmi).
This phrase is used to introduce yourself to another person.
Which one should you use?
While שמי is a direct way to say "my name is", the alternative phrase קוראים לי (kor'im li) is a very common and slightly more natural way to introduce yourself, literally meaning "they call me".
How do you pronounce it?
shalom, shmi
Did you know?
- The word שלום is used both when arriving to say 'hello' and when departing to say 'goodbye'.
- In Hebrew, שלום is a cognate of the Arabic word سلام (salām), reflecting their shared Semitic origins.
- In many Hebrew contexts, the distinction between 'peace' and 'completeness' is very thin, as the root of שלום implies a sense of being whole or at ease.
Examples in context
- שלום, שמי דנה.shalom, shmi dana.Hi, my name is Dana.
- שלום, שמי אבי וזה חבר שלי.shalom, shmi avi ve'ze chaver sheli.Hi, my name is Avi and this is my friend.
Example conversation
Two people meeting for the first time at a party.
- רוטם Rotemשלום, שמי רוטם.Shalom, shmi Rotem.Hi, my name is Rotem.
- עידו Idoנעים להכיר, אני עידו.Na'im le-hakir, ani Ido.Nice to meet you, I am Ido.
- רוטם Rotemנעים להכיר, עידו.Na'im le-hakir, Ido.Nice to meet you, Ido.
- עידו Idoמאיפה את?Me-eifo at?Where are you from?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries שלום, שמי, CC BY-SA 4.0.
