me llamo
/me ʝamo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase me llamo means "My name is".
You use me llamo to introduce yourself by stating your name. It is the most natural and common way to perform this action in spoken Spanish.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "I call myself".
Which one should you use?
While me llamo is the standard choice, you might also use Soy [name] (I am [name]), though this can sound more direct or blunt depending on the context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Mi nombre es is used as an alternative to me llamo for introductions. Additionally, when asking someone their name, some regions may add a ti to the end of the phrase Cómo te llamas to provide extra emphasis.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a conjugated form of the reflexive verb llamarse, which means "to be called" or "to call oneself".
How do you pronounce it?
/me ʝamo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use Mi nombre es to say "My name is". While this is grammatically correct, it is less natural than using me llamo in everyday conversation.
Did you know?
- The ll in llamo is pronounced as a 'y' sound in most regions, but in parts of Argentina and Uruguay, it sounds like a 'sh' or 'zh' sound.
- The verb llamar in me llamo is the same word used for 'calling' someone on the phone or shouting to get their attention.
- The me in me llamo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'me', both descending from the same Proto-Indo-European root *-(h₁)me-.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿cómo se llama usted?Excuse me, what is your name?
- Hola, ¿cómo te llamas?Hi, what's your name?
- Me llamo Juan.My name is Juan.
- Hola, me llamo Juan.Hello, my name is Juan.
- Hola, me llamo Carlos.Hello, my name is Carlos.
- Mucho gusto, me llamo Elena.Nice to meet you, my name is Elena.
- ¿Cómo te llamas? Me llamo Pablo.What is your name? My name is Pablo.
Example conversation
Two people are meeting at a party.
- JavierHola, me llamo Javier.Hello, my name is Javier.
- LucíaHola Javier, yo soy Lucía.Hello Javier, I am Lucía.
- JavierEncantado de conocerte, Lucía.Nice to meet you, Lucía.
- LucíaIgualmente, Javier.Likewise, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
