my naam is
The English phrase "my name is" is translated into Afrikaans as my naam is.
This phrase is used to identify oneself. You can also use other informal variations such as Halo! My naam is [Your Name], Hi! Ek is [Your Name], or Ek's [Your Name].
Meaning: a way to identify oneself (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a direct literal translation of the English "my name is".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South African Afrikaans, one can use my naam is [Your Name]. to identify themselves.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase negative, you must use a double negative structure by placing nie after the verb and another nie at the end of the clause, as in my naam is nie … nie.
Did you know?
- The word naam is used in Afrikaans to describe not just a person's identity, but also the 'reputation' or 'fame' of a person, similar to the English phrase 'to make a name for oneself'.
- In South Africa, while my naam is is standard, many people switch to English phrases for introductions in professional settings due to the country's multilingual culture.
- The word naam comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁nómn̥, making it a very distant relative of the English word 'name' and the Latin 'nomen'.
Examples in context
- My naam is Ludwig.My name is Ludwig.This sentence is useful for practicing the standard introduction with my naam is.Tatoeba #13831466 by Tom9358, translation #854501 by piksea
- My naam is nie Eve nie.My name is not Eve.This sentence is useful for practicing the negative double negative structure with my naam is.Tatoeba #13641925 by lingomaxim, translation #7529243 by deniko
- My naam is Tom. Wat's joune?My name is Tom. What's yours?This sentence is useful for seeing how to follow an introduction with a question using my naam is.Tatoeba #5540552 by zvzuibqx, translation #5520496 by Hybrid
- My naam is Anna.My name is Anna.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anika and Pieter meet for the first time at a party.
- AnikaHallo, my naam is Anika.Hello, my name is Anika.
- PieterAangename kennis, Anika. Ek is Pieter.Pleased to meet you, Anika. I am Pieter.
- AnikaIs jy nuut hier, Pieter?Are you new here, Pieter?
- PieterJa, ek het pas hier ingetrek.Yes, I just moved in here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “my name is” translations and entries my naam is, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries my, naam, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
