Ways to say it
| Moroccan Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| سلام، سميتي | salam, smiti | |
| سلام، إسمي | salam, ismi | more standard |
After سلام, 'hi', Moroccans introduce themselves with سميتي followed by their name. The more Standard Arabic إسمي (ismi) also works and is slightly more formal.
What does it mean word for word?
سميتي comes from the verb سمى, 'to name', so it literally means 'I am named'. إسمي uses the noun اسم, 'name', with the possessive 'my'.
Which one should you use?
سميتي sounds natural and local, used by Moroccans of every age. إسمي is correct too but feels a touch more formal, closer to how a name is given on paperwork.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are polite. سميتي is the default in daily conversation, while إسمي fits a formal introduction or an interview.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase is the same across Morocco, though in French-speaking settings people may just say their name after 'je m'appelle'.
How does it change in a sentence?
سميتي already carries 'my' built into its ending. To ask someone else's name, say شنو سميتك؟ (shnu smitek?), 'what is your name'.
How do you pronounce it?
The stress in سميتي falls on the middle syllable: 'smi-TI'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Saying only the name without سلام or سميتي can sound abrupt. Moroccans expect the greeting first.
When do people say it?
After giving a name, it is common to shake hands and add تشرفنا (tcharafna), 'pleased to meet you', especially in a first formal meeting.
Did you know?
- سميتي uses the Darija verb سمى, the same root behind تسمية (tasmiya), the word for naming a newborn baby.
- تشرفنا, said after an introduction, literally means 'we are honoured', even when only one person is speaking.
Examples in context
- سلام، سميتي ياسين.salam, smiti Yassine.Hi, my name is Yassine.
- سلام، سميتي سارة، وانت؟salam, smiti Sara, w nta?Hi, my name is Sara, and you?
- تشرفنا، سميتي كريم.tcharafna, smiti Karim.Nice to meet you, my name is Karim.
Example conversation
Laila meets a new neighbour, Hamid, for the first time in their building.
- Lailaسلام، سميتي ليلى.salam, smiti Laila.Hi, my name is Laila.
- Hamidسلام ليلى، سميتي حميد.salam Laila, smiti Hamid.Hi Laila, my name is Hamid.
- Lailaتشرفنا، أنت الجار الجديد؟tcharafna, nta l-jar l-jdid?Nice to meet you, are you the new neighbour?
- Hamidإيه، من اليوم.ih, mn lyoum.Yes, from today.
