se llama
/se ʝama/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'is called' is translated into Spanish as se llama.
The phrase 'se llama' is a common way to say 'is called' in Spanish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase se llama literally translates to 'he/she/it calls himself/herself/itself' because it uses a reflexive pronoun.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'they are called', use the plural form se llaman. When introducing yourself, you use the first-person singular form me llamo instead of se llama.
How do you pronounce it?
/se ʝama/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use es llamado (a literal translation of 'is called') instead of the more natural reflexive se llama.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word llama is a triple homonym. It can mean 'he/she calls', it can mean a 'flame' from the Latin flamma, and it can also refer to the South American animal.
- The word llama referring to the animal was borrowed directly from Quechua, the language of the Inca Empire.
- In Spanish, if you use the passive es llamado instead of se llama, it can sound like the person is being summoned to a location or called out loud.
Examples in context
- El bebé se llama Tom.The baby is called Tom.This sentence shows how to use se llama to name a person.Tatoeba #1258398 by marcelostockle, translation #45868 by CK
- Eso se llama amor verdadero.That is called true love.This sentence demonstrates using se llama for an abstract concept like love.Tatoeba #2917417 by marcelostockle, translation #5297851 by tabular
- El cuarto mes se llama abril.The fourth month is called April.This sentence shows how to use se llama when referring to a month.Tatoeba #1251487 by hayastan, translation #278519 by CK
- Tu amiga se llama María.Your friend is called María.
- A Juan le dicen Chicho.They call Juan Chicho.
- La casa se llama La Perla.The house is called La Perla.
- Ese río se llama Amazonas.That river is called Amazonas.
- Al profesor le dicen Jefe.The teacher is called Jefe.
- 85 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are looking at a painting in a museum.
- Mateo¿Cómo se llama esta obra?What is this work called?
- LucíaSe llama La Esperanza.It is called Hope.
- MateoEs una pieza muy bonita.It is a very beautiful piece.
- LucíaSí, a mí también me gusta.Yes, I like it too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries llama, se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
