me llamo David
/me ʝamo dabid/from spelling rules
The phrase 'my name is david' in Spanish is expressed as me llamo David.
This phrase is used to introduce oneself by stating one's name. me llamo David is the more natural and common way to introduce yourself in Spanish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase me llamo literally translates to 'I call myself'.
Which one should you use?
While Mi nombre es David is grammatically correct, me llamo David is the more natural and common way to introduce yourself in Spanish. Soy David is a common, shorter alternative used to introduce oneself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Me presento, mi nombre es David is a formal way to introduce oneself. In Mexico, Permítame presentarme, soy David is a formal way to introduce oneself. In Argentina, Mi nombre es David is a formal way to introduce oneself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb llamar is used in its reflexive form llamarse to express one's name.
Did you know?
- While llamar means 'to call', in some contexts it can also mean 'to ring' a bell or 'to ring' someone on the phone.
- When introducing oneself in a very formal Spanish setting, it is common to use a handshake and maintain direct eye contact throughout the phrase.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a person is often introduced by their first name and first surname, rather than just a first name.
Examples in context
- Mucho gusto, me llamo David.Nice to meet you, my name is David.
- Disculpe, me llamo David y soy el nuevo estudiante.Excuse me, my name is David and I am the new student.
Example conversation
Two people meet for the first time at a party.
- AlejandroHola, me llamo David.Hello, my name is David.
- MaríaHola, David. Yo soy María.Hello, David. I am María.
- AlejandroMucho gusto, María.Nice to meet you, María.
- MaríaIgualmente, David.Likewise, David.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
