What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'To me your name is pleasing' because the verb gustar functions such that the thing being liked is the subject.
Which one should you use?
Using tu nombre is the informal way to say 'your name'. Using su nombre makes the phrase formal and respectful. Additionally, there is a slang expression Tu nombre mola, which means 'Your name rocks'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, one can say Me gusta tu nombre, che to use the term 'che' as a friendly way to refer to someone. In Mexico, the expression me late can be used to indicate that you like or feel affinity towards something, such as in Me late tu nombre.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you were talking about multiple names, you would change the verb to the plural form gustan to match the subject: Me gustan tus nombres.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ɡusta tu nombɾe/
Did you know?
- The word nombre can also be a shorthand for the exclamation ¡No, hombre!, which translates to 'No, man!' or 'No way!'
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to have two given names, so a person might respond to Me gusta tu nombre by clarifying which of their names you are referring to.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, complimenting a name can be a sophisticated way to start a conversation about a person's heritage or family history.
Examples in context
- ¡Mucho gusto! Me gusta su nombre, señor Rodríguez.Nice to meet you! I like your name, Mr. Rodríguez.
- ¡Oye, me gusta tu nombre! Es tan original.Hey, I like your name! It's so unique.
- ¡Eh, tío! Tu nombre mola un montón. No había escuchado uno así antes.Hey, dude! Your name rocks. I've never heard one like it before.
- ¡Mirá, che! Me gusta tu nombre, ¿sabés?Hey, buddy! I like your name, you know?
- ¡Oye, carnal! Me late un chorro tu nombre.Hey, dude! I really like your name.
- Me gusta tu nombre, es muy bonito.I like your name, it is very pretty.
- Me gusta tu nombre, suena muy elegante.I like your name, it sounds very elegant.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are meeting for the first time at a social event.
- MateoHola, soy Mateo. Me gusta tu nombre.Hello, I am Mateo. I like your name.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo. Es un nombre muy común.Thank you, Mateo. It is a very common name.
- MateoPero es muy dulce.But it is very sweet.
- ElenaEres muy amable, gracias.You are very kind, thank you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, nombre, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
