nombres
/nombɾes/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for names is nombres.
nombres is used to refer to names in general or specifically to given names.
Which one should you use?
While nombres refers to names in general or first names, apellidos is the specific word for surnames or last names.
How does it change in a sentence?
nombres is the plural form of the singular noun nombre.
How do you pronounce it?
/nombɾes/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use nombres to mean 'last names', but in Spanish, nombres typically refers to given names or the concept of names in general.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a person's full identity is composed of two surnames: one from the father and one from the mother. Referring only to a person's nombres without acknowledging their apellidos would be considered an incomplete identification.
- The word nombre can also mean 'reputation' or 'fame' in certain contexts. If someone says 'tiene un buen nombre', they might not be talking about a literal name, but rather that the person has a good reputation.
- While nombres refers to names, the word apodo is used specifically for nicknames, which are often based on physical traits rather than the person's actual nombre.
Examples in context
- No voy a decir nombres.I'm not going to name names.This sentence shows how to express the refusal to name specific people using nombres.Tatoeba #5566752 by swyter, translation #4918991 by CK
- Conozco todos sus nombres.I know all their names.This sentence demonstrates knowing a group's nombres.Tatoeba #4398200 by pchamorro, translation #2375860 by CK
- Tom sabía nuestros nombres.Tom knew our names.This sentence shows the use of nombres in the context of someone knowing personal names.Tatoeba #2909266 by hayastan, translation #2647918 by CK
- AlejandroAlex
- GabrielaGaby
- AntonioTony
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are looking at a guest list for a party.
- Elena¿Viste los nombres en la lista?Did you see the names on the list?
- AlejandroSí, pero no recuerdo los nombres.Yes, but I don't remember the names.
- ElenaEsos nombres son muy difíciles.Those names are very difficult.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Elena.You are right, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
