me llamo …
In Spanish, 'my name is' can be expressed using me llamo … or mi nombre es …
Meaning: a way to identify oneself (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish |
|---|
| me llamo … |
| mi nombre es … |
These phrases are 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?
Mi nombre es … translates directly to 'my name is …' and is often used in official contexts or when filling out forms. me llamo … translates to 'I am called'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, especially in Latin America, people might informally use Yo soy [your name] to introduce themselves.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb in me llamo is reflexive, which is why it requires the reflexive pronoun me.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying yo nombre soy, which is a common error where English speakers try to translate 'my name is' word-for-word. This is grammatically incorrect in Spanish.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, people introduce themselves by their first name and their father's surname. Adding the mother's surname is common in Spain and Latin America to provide a more complete family identity.
- The word nombre can also be used as an exclamation in Spanish, spelled as ¡no, hombre!, which means 'no, man!' or 'no way!' It is a common way to express disbelief or emphasis.
- When introducing oneself in a professional Spanish environment, it is common to lead with the title, such as Soy el Doctor [Name], rather than just stating the name.
Examples in context
- Mi nombre es María.My name is Maria.
- Me llamo Juan.I am called Juan.
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.
