me llamo Rachel
/me ʝamo ɾat͡ʃel/from spelling rules
The English phrase "my name is rachel" is translated into Spanish as me llamo Rachel.
This phrase is used to introduce yourself by stating your name.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression me llamo literally translates to "I call myself".
Which one should you use?
Although Mi nombre es Rachel is grammatically correct, me llamo Rachel is much more common in natural spoken Spanish for introductions. You may also use Soy Rachel to say "I am Rachel".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries like Mexico, Costa Rica and parts of Colombia, it is common to use Soy Rachel as an informal introduction.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the reflexive form of the verb llamar (to call), which is llamarse, to express one's name.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ʝamo ɾatʃel/
Did you know?
- Depending on the regional accent, the double ll in me llamo can sound like a 'y', a 'sh', or even a 'j' sound in some parts of Argentina and Uruguay.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to accompany the phrase me llamo with a firm handshake or, in more casual settings, a kiss on the cheek.
- In Spanish, the verb llamar is used both for naming yourself and for calling someone's attention, such as shouting 'Hey!' to a stranger.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, mi nombre es Rachel. Soy la representante de la empresa XYZ. ¡Mucho gusto en conocerles!Good morning, my name is Rachel. I am the representative from XYZ company. It's a pleasure to meet you all!
- ¡Hola a todos! Me llamo Rachel, y estoy emocionada por aprender español junto a ustedes. ¡Vamos a divertirnos mucho!Hi, everyone! I'm Rachel, and I'm excited to learn Spanish with all of you. Let's have a lot of fun!
- Hola, me llamo Rachel.Hello, my name is Rachel.
- Mucho gusto, me llamo Rachel.Nice to meet you, my name is Rachel.
- Soy nueva aquí, me llamo Rachel.I am new here, my name is Rachel.
Example conversation
Two people meet for the first time at a party.
- MaríaHola, me llamo María.Hello, my name is María.
- JavierHola, María. Yo me llamo Javier.Hello, María. My name is Javier.
- María¿Y ella? Me llamo Rachel.And her? My name is Rachel.
- JavierMucho gusto, Rachel.Nice to meet you, Rachel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
