me llamo …
To say "my name is" in Spanish, you use me llamo … Wiktionary also lists mi nombre es …
Meaning: a way to identify oneself (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish |
|---|
| me llamo … |
| mi nombre es … |
The phrase is used to identify yourself to others.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase me llamo literally translates to "I call myself".
Which one should you use?
Me llamo … is the most common and natural way to introduce yourself. In contrast, mi nombre es … can sound slightly more formal or robotic.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Latin America, it is common to use Yo soy [your name] instead of Mi nombre es [your name].
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb used in me llamo is the reflexive form of llamar, which is why the reflexive pronoun me is required.
Did you know?
- The word nombre is also used as a slang contraction of ¡no, hombre!, which is an exclamation like 'no way!' or 'hey man!'
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, people may introduce themselves using only their first name in casual settings but will insist on using both surnames in official contexts.
- The Spanish verb llamar is used not only for names but also to mean 'to ring' a doorbell or 'to call' someone on the phone.
Examples in context
- Hola, mi nombre es Manuel.Hello, my name is Manuel.
- Buenos días, mi nombre es Santiago.Good morning, my name is Santiago.
- Hola, me llamo Luis.Hello, my name is Luis.
- Me llamo Juan, ¿y tú?My name is Juan, and you?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “my name is” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, me, mi, nombre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
