When introducing ourselves in a new language, it’s important to know how to say our surname or last name. In Spanish, this information can be conveyed in both formal and informal ways. In this guide, we will explore various phrases and regional variations to help you express your surname in Spanish. Let’s get started!
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Formal Phrases
If you’re in a formal setting or talking to someone you want to show respect to, like a business associate or an elder, you can use the following phrases to indicate your surname:
Mi apellido es Martínez.
This translates directly to “My surname is Martínez.” Here, “Mi” means “My,” and “apellido” means “surname.” You can substitute “Martínez” with your own surname to personalize the phrase. It’s important to remember to use the verb “es” (is) to connect your surname to the phrase.
Soy de apellido González.
This is another way to express the same idea. Here, “Soy de” means “I am of,” and “apellido” followed by your surname suggests that it is your last name. For example, if your surname is González, this phrase would mean “I am of the González surname.”
Regional Variations: Formal
While the phrases mentioned above are understood and accepted across the Spanish-speaking world, there may be slight regional variations in some countries. Here are a few examples:
- In Spain: “Mi apellido es Martínez” or “Soy de apellido González” are commonly used.
- In Mexico: “Mi nombre no importa, pero soy de los González” (My name doesn’t matter, but I am from the González family) is a polite way to indicate your surname.
- In Argentina: “Mi apellido es Martínez” or “Me apellido González” are commonly used.
Remember, these regional variations are minor differences, and the standard phrases mentioned earlier will serve you well in most Spanish-speaking countries.
Informal Phrases
In more casual situations, among friends or peers, you can use these phrases to indicate your surname:
Me apellido Martínez.
This phrase simply means “I am surnamed Martínez.” By using “Me apellido” instead of “Mi apellido es,” you convey the same meaning in a more relaxed and informal manner.
Soy Martínez.
Here, “Soy” (I am) is followed directly by your surname. This is a concise and commonly used way to say your surname in informal contexts.
Regional Variations: Informal
As with formal phrases, informal expressions may also have slight regional variations. Let’s take a look:
- In Spain: “Me apellido Martínez” or “Soy Martínez” are commonly used in informal situations.
- In Mexico: “Me llamo González” (My name is González) is often used casually to convey your surname.
- In Argentina: “Soy de apellido Martínez” or “Soy González” are commonly used to express your surname informally.
Remember, these informal variations are minor, and the phrases mentioned earlier can be used in most informal contexts.
Tips for Saying Your Surname
Here are a few tips to remember when saying your surname in Spanish:
1. Pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of your surname. Practice it slowly and make sure you can pronounce it clearly in Spanish.
2. Gender Agreement: In Spanish, surnames are subject to gender agreement. If your surname ends in a vowel, it remains the same whether you’re male or female. However, if it ends in a consonant, it needs to be modified to match your gender. For example, “Martínez” is the same for both genders, but “González” becomes “González” for males and “González” with an added “a” for females.
3. Be Prepared: When introducing yourself in Spanish, it’s common to exchange greetings and personal information. Be prepared to answer questions related to your surname, such as “¿Cuál es tu apellido?” (What is your surname?).
Examples
Let’s see some examples of how to say “My surname is” in Spanish:
- Formal:
– Hola, soy Juan. Mi apellido es Martínez.
– Mucho gusto, Juan. Yo me apellido Rodríguez.
- Informal:
– Oye, ¿cómo te llamas?
– Me apellido González, ¿y tú?
Remember, the more you practice, the more confident you’ll become at introducing yourself and sharing your surname in Spanish.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
