我叫
wǒ jiào
In Mandarin, the phrase for "I am called" is 我叫 (wǒ jiào).
The phrase 我叫 is used to introduce oneself by stating one's name.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 我 (wǒ), meaning "I" and 叫 (jiào), meaning "to be called" or "to call".
Which one should you use?
我叫 is more common and slightly less formal than the phrase 我的名字是 (wǒ de míngzì shì), which means "My name is".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 叫 (jiào) does not change its form based on the subject (I, you, he, she, etc.) in the present tense.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ jiào
Did you know?
- The verb 叫 (jiào) can also mean 'to shout' or 'to scream'. If you use it with the wrong tone or in an odd context, you might accidentally say you are screaming your name.
- In very formal introductions, such as on television or at a banquet, one might use 姓 (xìng) to state only their surname first, a practice less common in English.
- The character 叫 (jiào) contains the radical for 'mouth' 口, which is a common feature in many Mandarin words related to speaking or sounding.
Examples in context
- 我叫杜莎娜。I am called Dusanna.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 我叫 with a specific name.Tatoeba #7767741 by jiangche, translation #7767776 by sharris123
- 我叫約翰，你呢？I am called John. What about you?This sentence shows how to use 我叫 when asking for someone else's name in return.Tatoeba #6142053 by xjjAstrus, translation #7781078 by sharris123
- 我叫林峰。I am called Lin Feng.Tatoeba #6142019 by xjjAstrus, translation #7782966 by sharris123
- 我叫做 AlexI am called Alex
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students meet for the first time in a classroom.
- 梓涵 Zihan你好，我叫欣怡。Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào Xīnyí.Hello, my name is Xinyi.
- 俊杰 Junjie你好，欣怡。我叫志强。Nǐ hǎo, Xīnyí. Wǒ jiào Zhìqiáng.Hello, Xinyi. My name is Zhiqiang.
- 梓涵 Zihan很高兴认识你，志强。Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ, Zhìqiáng.It is nice to meet you, Zhiqiang.
- 俊杰 Junjie我也很高兴认识你。Wǒ yě hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ.I am glad to meet you too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
