llamado
/ʝaˈmado/
The English phrase "named" is translated into Spanish as llamado.
In Spanish, instead of using a specific word for "named" to introduce a person's name, speakers frequently use llamado (which literally means "called") to achieve the same effect.
What does it mean word for word?
llamado is the past participle of the verb llamar (to call), so it literally means "called".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because llamado functions as an adjective or participle, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use llamada for feminine singular nouns, llamados for masculine plural or mixed-gender groups and llamadas for groups consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝaˈmado/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, if you want to ask someone 'What is your name?', you do not ask what they are 'named', but rather ¿Cómo se llama?, which literally translates to 'How do you call yourself?'
- The double 'll' in llamado creates a sound that varies wildly by region, sounding like a 'y' in Mexico or a 'sh' in parts of Argentina.
- The root of llamar shares an ancient ancestor with the Latin 'clamare', which is the origin of the English word 'claim'.
Examples in context
- Él tuvo un hijo llamado Qian.He had a son named Qian.This sentence is useful for showing how to use llamado to identify a person's name.Tatoeba #1202413 by marcelostockle, translation #963451 by FeuDRenais2
- No hay nadie llamado Tom acá.There's no one named Tom here.This sentence shows how to use llamado in a negative context to state someone is not present.Tatoeba #4193280 by hayastan, translation #3130109 by CK
- Conozco a un tipo llamado Smith.I know a guy named Smith.This sentence demonstrates the use of llamado when introducing a person in a casual context.Tatoeba #1946219 by teskmon, translation #885696 by Trailsend
- Ella fue nombrada gerente del departamento de marketing.She was named the manager of the marketing department.
- El galardonado fue nombrado Embajador de Buena Voluntad.The awardee was named Goodwill Ambassador.
- El proyecto será denominado "Innovación para el Futuro".The project will be named "Innovation for the Future".
- El edificio fue denominado en honor al arquitecto principal.The building was named in honor of the lead architect.
- El nuevo restaurante se llama "Sabor Latino".The new restaurant is named "Sabor Latino".
- Este gato callejero ha sido llamado "Pelusa".This stray cat has been named "Fuzz".
- Juan es apodado "El Tigre" por su valentía en el fútbol.Juan is nicknamed "The Tiger" for his bravery in soccer.
- Mi amiga es apodada "Chispas" por su energía inagotable.My friend is nicknamed "Sparkles" due to her boundless energy.
- Este gran evento fue bautizado como "Fiesta de la Alegría".This grand event was named "Festival of Joy".
- El jugador fue puesto capitán del equipo de manera oficial.The player was named team captain officially.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing their pets in a park.
- Mateo¿Tienes algún gato?Do you have a cat?
- SofíaSí, tengo un gato llamado Copito.Yes, I have a cat named Copito.
- Mateo¡Qué lindo nombre!What a cute name!
- SofíaGracias, Mateo.Thanks, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry llamado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries llamado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
