mes parents s'appellent
The phrase 'my parents' names are' in French is translated as mes parents s'appellent.
This phrase is used to introduce the names of one's father and mother.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, mes parents s'appellent translates to 'my parents call themselves'.
Which one should you use?
You can use Les prénoms de mes parents sont… if you want to specify that you are providing only their first names. For a more casual tone, you can say Les noms de mes parents, c'est…, which translates to 'The names of my parents, it's…'. In very casual, colloquial speech, you might hear Mes vieux s'appellent…, meaning 'My folks are called…'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying mes parents sont nommés or using ont les noms to translate 'are named'. While these might seem like direct translations from English, they are not natural in French. Instead, use the reflexive verb form s'appellent to introduce names.
Did you know?
- The word parents in French can be used as a general term for all relatives, not just a father and mother.
- Avoid using 'nommés' to translate 'are named' in this phrase, as 'nommer' is typically reserved for official appointments, such as 'being named a judge' or 'being named a successor'.
- In French, the word nom usually refers specifically to the family name, whereas prénom refers to the given name.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais vous présenter mes parents. Les noms de mes parents sont Jacques et Marie.I would like to introduce you to my parents. The names of my parents are Jacques and Marie.
- Monsieur Dupont, voici Paul et Claire. Les prénoms de mes parents sont Paul et Claire.Mr. Dupont, meet Paul and Claire. The first names of my parents are Paul and Claire.
- Mes parents s'appellent Jean et Marie.My parents' names are Jean and Marie.
- Mes parents s'appellent Pierre et Sophie.My parents' names are Pierre and Sophie.
- Est-ce que tu sais comment mes parents s'appellent ?Do you know what my parents' names are?
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are talking about their families at a cafe.
- EmmaMes parents s'appellent Marc et Lucie.My parents' names are Marc and Lucie.
- LucasC'est très joli comme prénoms.Those are very pretty names.
- EmmaEt toi, comment s'appellent tes parents ?And you, what are your parents' names?
- LucasMes parents s'appellent Thomas et Alice.My parents' names are Thomas and Alice.
