ciao, mi chiamo
The Italian phrase for "hi, my name is" is ciao, mi chiamo.
This phrase is a common greeting used when introducing yourself to someone for the first time.
What does it mean word for word?
The component mi chiamo literally translates to "I call myself".
Which one should you use?
While ciao, mi chiamo translates to "hi, my name is", you can also use buongiorno, mi chiamo to say "good morning, my name is".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the reflexive verb chiamarsi, which is why the reflexive pronoun mi (myself) is used.
Did you know?
- The word ciao is an unexpected relative of the English word 'slave' via the Medieval Latin sclavus.
- If you use ciao to introduce yourself to a stranger or a superior, you might appear accidentally rude or overly familiar, as the word is strictly informal.
- Depending on the region of Italy, the pronunciation and social weight of ciao can vary, but it remains the most exported Italian word in the world.
Examples in context
- A: Buongiorno, mi chiamo Maria. Piacere di conoscerla. B: Buongiorno, Maria. Il piacere è tutto mio.A: Good morning, my name is Maria. Nice to meet you. B: Good morning, Maria. The pleasure is all mine.
- Ciao, mi chiamo Luca.Hi, my name is Luca.
- Ciao, mi chiamo Giulia e sono nuova qui.Hi, my name is Giulia and I am new here.
- Ciao, mi chiamo Marco, piacere di conoscerti.Hi, my name is Marco, nice to meet you.
Example conversation
At a small social gathering in a cafe.
- FrancescoCiao, mi chiamo Francesco.Hi, my name is Francesco.
- MartinaPiacere, io sono Martina.Nice to meet you, I am Martina.
- FrancescoPiacere mio, Martina.The pleasure is mine, Martina.
- MartinaSei un nuovo studente?Are you a new student?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciao, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
