¿cómo te llamas?
The English phrase "what is your name?" is translated into Spanish as ¿cómo te llamas?
This phrase is a common and straightforward way to ask someone for their name in an informal setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ¿cómo te llamas? literally translates to "how do you call yourself?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, when addressing a group of people, the form llamáis may be used instead of llamas.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to someone in a formal context or to someone older, use ¿cómo se llama? instead of ¿cómo te llamas? If you are asking the names of two or more people, use the plural form ¿cómo se llaman?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying ¿cómo es tu nombre? which is a literal translation of "how is your name?" Instead, use the idiomatic expression ¿cómo te llamas?
When do people say it?
A natural response to the question ¿cómo te llamas? is Me llamo… followed by your name.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking ¿cómo te llamas? is often preceded by a handshake and a light kiss on the cheek, depending on the country and gender of the people.
- The word cómo in this phrase is derived from the Latin word cōmō̆, which was a non-literary version of quōmodo.
- In some Latin American countries, it is common to ask ¿cuál es tu nombre? in official settings, whereas in Spain this can sound unnatural compared to ¿cómo te llamas?
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo te llamas?Hi, what is your name?
- Perdón, ¿cómo te llamas?Excuse me, what is your name?
Example conversation
Two students meeting for the first time in a classroom.
- MaríaHola, soy María. ¿Cómo te llamas?Hi, I am María. What is your name?
- JavierHola María, me llamo Javier.Hi María, my name is Javier.
- MaríaMucho gusto, Javier.Nice to meet you, Javier.
- JavierIgualmente, María.Nice to meet you too, María.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
