je m'appelle Isabella
The English phrase "my name is isabella" is translated into French as je m'appelle Isabella.
This phrase is used to introduce yourself by stating your name. While English speakers typically use the verb "to be" to state a name, French speakers use a reflexive construction.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase je m'appelle literally translates to "I call myself".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb m'appelle is a reflexive form, which means the action of "calling" is directed back at the subject je.
When do people say it?
When meeting someone after an introduction, you can say Enchanté or Enchantée to mean "Nice to meet you".
Did you know?
- The verb appeler in je m'appelle is the same root used for the English word 'appellation', which refers to the name or title of something.
- When introducing oneself in a professional French environment, it is common to use the phrase je me présente meaning 'I introduce myself' before stating je m'appelle Isabella.
- In many French-speaking parts of Africa, the way one introduces oneself can vary significantly from the standard Parisian French, often incorporating local honorifics that are not present in the phrase je m'appelle.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, je m'appelle Isabella et je suis anglaise. Enchantée!Hello, my name is Isabella and I am English. Nice to meet you!
- Salut, moi, c'est Isabella. Comment ça va?Hey, me, it's Isabella. How are you?
- Moi, c'est Isabella. Et toi, comment tu t'appelles?Me, it's Isabella. And you, what's your name?
- Enchanté, je m'appelle Isabella.Nice to meet you, my name is Isabella.
- Bonjour, je m'appelle Isabella.Hello, my name is Isabella.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas meet for the first time at a party.
- LéaSalut ! Je m'appelle Isabella.Hi! My name is Isabella.
- LucasSalut Isabella, moi c'est Lucas.Hi Isabella, I'm Lucas.
- LéaEnchantée de te rencontrer, Lucas.Nice to meet you, Lucas.
- LucasMoi aussi, enchanté !Me too, nice to meet you!
