salve, nomen mihi est
[ˈsaɫ.weː ˈnoː.mɛn ˈmi.(ɦ)iː ˈɛst]word by word
The English phrase "hi, my name is" is translated into Latin as salve, nomen mihi est.
This phrase is used as a greeting when introducing yourself to someone for the first time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nomen mihi est literally translates to "the name is to me" or "the name is mine".
Which one should you use?
While nomen mihi est is a standard way to introduce yourself, you can also say ego sum [name] to mean "I am [name]".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word salve is the singular form of the greeting and is used when addressing only one person. If you are introducing yourself to a group of people, you should use salvete instead of salve.
Did you know?
- The greeting salve is not just a word for 'hi', but is the imperative command of a verb meaning 'be well'.
- The word est used in this phrase is cognate with the Sanskrit word ásti and the Old Persian word astiy.
- The phrase nomen mihi est uses a dative construction, meaning the name exists 'for me' rather than simply belonging to me.
Examples in context
- Salve, nomen mihi est Gaius.Hi, my name is Gaius.
- Salve, nomen mihi est Lucius.Hi, my name is Lucius.
Example conversation
Two people meet for the first time at a garden party.
- MarcusSalve, nomen mihi est Marcus.Hi, my name is Marcus.
- AureliaSalve, Marce. Nomen mihi est Aurelia.Hi, Marcus. My name is Aurelia.
- MarcusSalve, Aurelia. Quomodo vales?Hi, Aurelia. How are you?
- AureliaBene sum, gratias.I am well, thanks.
