me llamo Michael
/me ʝamo mit͡ʃael/from spelling rules
The English phrase "my name is Michael" is translated into Spanish as me llamo Michael.
This phrase is used to introduce yourself by stating your 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 Michael is grammatically correct, the form me llamo Michael is much more common and natural in spoken Spanish for introductions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people might use the shorter form Me dicen Michael. to introduce themselves. In Colombia, people might use the expression Yo soy Michael to introduce themselves.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb llamar is used in its reflexive form llamarse to express one's name in the phrase me llamo Michael.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ʝamo mitʃael/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, introducing yourself as me llamo is so standard that using mi nombre es can sound like you are filling out an official government form.
- In many Spanish-speaking social settings, adding mucho gusto immediately after me llamo Michael is the standard way to signal that you are open to conversation.
- The verb in me llamo Michael comes from llamar, which also means 'to call' in the sense of shouting or summoning someone, such as calling a taxi.
Examples in context
- Hola, me llamo Michael.Hi, my name is Michael.
- Mucho gusto, me llamo Michael.Nice to meet you, my name is Michael.
- Disculpe, me llamo Michael y soy nuevo aquí.Excuse me, my name is Michael and I am new here.
Example conversation
Two people meeting for the first time at a party.
- MateoHola, soy Mateo. ¿Cómo te llamas?Hi, I'm Mateo. What is your name?
- MaríaHola, Mateo. Me llamo Michael.Hi, Mateo. My name is Michael.
- MateoEs un placer conocerte, Michael.It is a pleasure to meet you, Michael.
- MaríaIgualmente, Mateo.Likewise, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
