mi chiamu
The English phrase "my name is" is expressed in Sicilian as mi chiamu.
This phrase is used to identify oneself.
Meaning: a way to identify oneself (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a reflexive construction: mi means "myself" and chiamu means "I call", so it literally translates to "I call myself".
Did you know?
- The word chiamu is related to the English word 'claim'. Both derive from the Latin root 'clamare', which means to shout or call out loudly.
- Depending on the village or province in Sicily, the pronunciation of the vowel in chiamu can shift slightly, which can signal to a listener exactly which region the speaker is from.
- In a very formal or old-fashioned Sicilian setting, one might introduce themselves by stating their family lineage rather than just a single name.
Examples in context
- Piaciri, mi chiamu Giovanni.Nice to meet you, my name is Giovanni.
Example conversation
Maria and Salvatore meet for the first time at a party.
- MariaCiao! Mi chiamu Maria.Hi! My name is Maria.
- SalvatorePiacere, Maria. Io mi chiamu Salvatore.Nice to meet you, Maria. I am called Salvatore.
- MariaSei di questu paisi, Salvatore?Are you from this town, Salvatore?
- SalvatoreSì, abito proprio cca.Yes, I live right here.
