Me llamo Lexi
/me ʝamo leɡsi/from spelling rules
To say "my name is lexi" in Spanish, you say Me llamo Lexi.
The phrase is used to introduce yourself by name.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Me llamo literally translates to "I call myself".
Which one should you use?
While Mi nombre es Lexi is grammatically correct, Me llamo Lexi is much more common and natural in everyday spoken Spanish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the reflexive form of the verb llamarse (to call oneself) to express one's name.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ʝamo leɡsi/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often add the pronoun Yo at the beginning, but in Spanish, Yo is usually omitted because the verb ending llamo already indicates the subject is "I".
When do people say it?
It is customary to follow your name with a polite phrase like Mucho gusto (Nice to meet you) or Encantado/a (Pleased to meet you).
Did you know?
- The verb in Me llamo is actually the same one used to say you are 'calling' someone on the telephone.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, after saying Me llamo, it is common to offer a handshake or a single kiss on the cheek, depending on the gender and formality of the encounter.
- The phrase Mucho gusto, often used after Me llamo, literally translates to 'much pleasure' rather than 'nice to meet you'.
Examples in context
- Me llamo Lexi, mucho gusto.My name is Lexi, nice to meet you.
- Hola, me llamo Lexi.Hello, my name is Lexi.
- Perdone, me llamo Lexi.Excuse me, my name is Lexi.
Example conversation
Two people meeting for the first time at a party.
- JavierHola, soy Javier. ¿Cómo te llamas?Hi, I'm Javier. What is your name?
- ElenaHola, Javier. Me llamo Lexi.Hi, Javier. My name is Lexi.
- JavierEs un placer conocerte, Lexi.It is a pleasure to meet you, Lexi.
- ElenaIgualmente, Javier.Likewise, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
