llamarse
/ʝamaɾse/from spelling rules
To be called in Spanish is llamarse.
The verb llamarse is used to express that someone is called by a specific name. It translates literally to 'to call oneself' or 'to be called'.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is a combination of llamar (to call) and the reflexive pronoun se (oneself).
How does it change in a sentence?
Use me llamo to say 'I am called' or 'My name is'. Use se llama for 'he/she/it is called' or 'his/her name is'. For a group of people, use the third-person plural form se llaman to say 'they are called' or 'their names are'. In an informal setting, the second-person singular conjugation is te llamas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝamaɾse/
What mistakes should you avoid?
While Yo soy [Name] is grammatically possible, the more natural and idiomatic way to introduce yourself is to use me llamo [Name].
Did you know?
- The word llamar shares a deep linguistic root with the English word 'claim', as both describe the act of calling or demanding something.
- Beyond names, the root verb llamar can be used as llamativo to describe something 'eye-catching' or 'flashy', as if the object is calling out for attention.
- In certain dialects, especially in the Caribbean or southern Spain, the ll in llamarse can sound like a 'y' or even a 'j', which can make the phrase sound entirely different from the textbook pronunciation.
Examples in context
- ¿Cómo se llama usted?What is your name, sir/madam?
- Me llamo María, ¿y usted?My name is Maria, and you?
- ¿Cómo te llamas?What is your name? (casual)
- Me llamo Juan, ¿y tú?My name is Juan, and you? (casual)
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are introducing themselves at a party.
- DanielHola, yo me llamo Daniel.Hello, my name is Daniel.
- SofíaMucho gusto, yo llamarse Sofía.Nice to meet you, I am called Sofía.
- Daniel¿Cómo prefiere llamarse usted?How do you prefer to be called?
- SofíaPuedes llamarme Sofía.You can call me Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
