s'appelle
The English phrase 'is called' is translated into French as s'appelle.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'my name is' or 'I am called', you use the first-person reflexive form je m'appelle. When the subject is plural, the verb changes to the third-person plural form s'appellent.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the literal passive construction est appelé instead of the reflexive s'appelle to name people or things.
Did you know?
- The phrase s'appelle is closely related to the English word 'appeal'. Both derive from the Latin appellare, which means 'to address' or 'to call upon'.
- While je m'appelle is the standard way to introduce yourself, in very casual settings, French speakers often skip the verb entirely and simply say Moi, c'est [Name].
- In French, you can use s'appelle for inanimate objects, such as a street or a building, whereas in English we usually say 'is called' or 'is known as'.
Examples in context
- Le bébé s'appelle Tom.The baby is called Tom.This sentence is useful for showing how to name a baby using s'appelle.Tatoeba #2209200 by nimfeo, translation #45868 by CK
- Mon chat s'appelle Félix.My cat is called Felix.This sentence is useful for naming a cat using s'appelle.Tatoeba #5088532 by sicerabibax, translation #11733014 by tieguy
- Notre chien s'appelle Johnny.Our dog is called Johnny.This sentence is useful for naming a dog using s'appelle.Tatoeba #5100741 by kamillel, translation #5100568 by Lindoula
- Le livre s'appelle "Les Misérables."The book is called "Les Misérables."
- L'espèce est nommée "Panthera leo."The species is called "Panthera leo."
- Ce bar a pour nom "Le Petit Bistro".This bar is called "Le Petit Bistro."
- Notre groupe de musique a pour nom "Les Voyageurs".Our band is called "Les Voyageurs."
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are looking at a map in a cafe.
- LéaGabriel, comment s'appelle ce quartier ?Gabriel, what is this neighborhood called?
- GabrielIl s'appelle le Marais.It is called Le Marais.
- LéaC'est un endroit très joli.It is a very pretty place.
- GabrielOui, il est magnifique.Yes, it is magnificent.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
