je m'appelle Ruby
To say my name is Ruby in French, say je m'appelle Ruby.
This is the standard way to introduce yourself. Je suis Ruby, I am Ruby, is fine in informal settings.
What does it mean word for word?
je m'appelle literally means I call myself.
Which one should you use?
Je suis Ruby is correct grammar, but je m'appelle Ruby is the more standard and common introduction.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is reflexive, which is why the pronoun m' comes before appelle.
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking African countries, it is common to introduce oneself by stating one's title or profession before the name to show respect.
- The French pronoun je traces its lineage back to the Latin word egō̆, which is the same root found in the English word 'ego'.
- The use of je m'appelle is so standard that using the literal translation of 'my name is', mon nom est, can make a speaker sound like they are filling out a government form.
Examples in context
- Bonjour Pierre, je m'appelle Ruby.Hello Pierre, my name is Ruby.
- Salut Camille, je suis Ruby.Hey Camille, I am Ruby.
- Bonjour, je m'appelle Ruby.Hello, my name is Ruby.
- Enchantée, je m'appelle Ruby.Nice to meet you, my name is Ruby.
Example conversation
Two students meet for the first time in class.
- LucasSalut ! Je m'appelle Lucas.Hi! My name is Lucas.
- EmmaBonjour Lucas, je m'appelle Ruby.Hello Lucas, my name is Ruby.
- LucasEnchanté de te rencontrer, Ruby.Nice to meet you, Ruby.
- EmmaMoi aussi, enchantée !Me too, nice to meet you!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, CC BY-SA 4.0.
