ég heiti
[jɛɣ ˈheiːtɪ]word by word
ég heiti is how you say "my name is" in Icelandic.
This phrase is used to identify yourself.
Meaning: a way to identify oneself (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I am named" or "I am called".
Which one should you use?
While English uses the verb "to be" (my name is), Icelandic uses the verb að heita (to be named/called).
Did you know?
- While ég heiti identifies you, Icelandic law requires that your official name must not cause 'ridicule or annoyance' to the person bearing it.
- In Iceland, the phrase ég heiti is often followed by a patronymic name, meaning your last name is based on your father's first name rather than a family surname.
- The verb heita in ég heiti can also be used to make a solemn promise or a vow, meaning 'to swear'.
Examples in context
- Ég heiti Farshad.My name is Farshad.This is useful for introducing yourself with the name Farshad.Tatoeba #513180 by Rafeind, translation #509917 by CN
- Ég heiti Braga, hvað heitir þú?My name is Braga, what's your name?This shows how to introduce yourself and then ask the other person for their name.
- Ég heiti Ríkharður.My name is Richard.This is useful for introducing yourself with the name Ríkharður.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A person introduces themselves at a small social gathering.
- ÓlafurSæll, ég heiti Ólafur.Hello, my name is Ólafur.
- KatrínSæl, ég heiti Katrín.Hi, my name is Katrín.
- ÓlafurGaman að kynnast þér, Katrín.Nice to meet you, Katrín.
- KatrínGaman að kynnast þér líka.Nice to meet you too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “my name is” translations and entries ég heiti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ég, heiti) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
