se llama
/se ʝama/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase se llama means "is named" or "is called".
This phrase is used to state a person's name. Instead of using the verb "to be", Spanish speakers use this construction to identify someone.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "he/she/it calls himself/herself/itself".
Which one should you use?
While se llama is used for third-person subjects, you should use me llamo when you want to say "my name is".
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to multiple people, the plural form se llaman is used to mean "they are called". The form se llama specifically functions as "is called (you, formal)" when used with the formal "you" (usted).
How do you pronounce it?
/se ʝama/
When do people say it?
When introducing yourself, such as saying "Me llamo Pedro Martínez López", it is common in some Spanish-speaking countries to include both your father's and mother's surnames.
Did you know?
- Because llama can mean 'flame' or 'llama' (the animal), the sentence se llama llama could literally mean 'it is called llama' or 'it calls itself flame'.
- The word llama has two completely unrelated origins: the word for 'flame' comes from the Latin flamma, while the South American animal is a loanword from the indigenous Quechua language.
- While se llama is used for names, Spanish speakers often switch to the phrase se dice to introduce a word or a concept rather than using the 'called' construction.
Examples in context
- Me llamo MaríaMy name is María
- Mi perro se llama Bruno.My dog is named Bruno.
- Esa ciudad se llama Madrid.That city is called Madrid.
- La película se llama 'El Viaje'.The movie is called 'The Journey'.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking about a new classmate.
- MateoMira, ahí está el chico nuevo.Look, there is the new boy.
- Lucía¿Cómo se llama él?What is his name?
- MateoCreo que se llama David.I think his name is David.
- LucíaEs un nombre muy bonito.That is a very pretty name.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries llama, se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
