se llama
/se ʝama/from spelling rules
The English phrase "she is called" is translated into Spanish as se llama.
se llama is the standard way to state the name of a person. While it is used here for a female, the form is gender-neutral and can also be used to say "he is called".
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, se llama means "she calls herself".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form se llama is used for both singular male and female subjects. If you are referring to a group of females and want to say "they are called", use the plural form se llaman.
How do you pronounce it?
/se ʝama/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the literal translation es llamada to state a person's name. Although this might seem correct to English speakers, se llama is the standard expression.
Did you know?
- In many contexts, the phrase ¿Cómo se llama? can be used to ask 'What is your name?' in a formal setting, rather than just referring to a third person.
- While English uses 'called' for both names and nicknames, Spanish speakers use se llama for official names but often switch to le dicen to say 'they call her' when referring to a nickname.
- The word llama in this phrase shares the same spelling as the 'llama' (the pack animal) found in the Andes, though they come from completely different linguistic roots.
Examples in context
- Esta es mi hermana. Se llama Julia.This is my sister. She is called Julia.This example shows how to introduce a sister using se llama.Tatoeba #463321 by lukaszpp, translation #463320 by lukaszpp
- Ella se llama Mei. Está cocinando en la cocina.She is called Mei. She is cooking in the kitchen.This example shows how to use se llama when describing what a person is doing.Tatoeba #456718 by lukaszpp, translation #456717 by lukaszpp
- Se llama LauraShe is called Laura.
- En el trabajo, ella se llama Claudia.At work, she is called Claudia.
- Se llama SofíaShe is called Sofía.
- Le dicen GabiThey call her Gabi.
- La llaman CarmenShe is called Carmen.
- Tengo una hija y se llama Lucía.I have a daughter and her name is Lucía.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are introducing a new neighbor.
- Alejandro¿Conoces a la nueva vecina?Do you know the new neighbor?
- MaríaNo, ¿cómo se llama?No, what is her name?
- AlejandroSe llama Elena.Her name is Elena.
- MaríaAh, es un nombre muy bonito.Ah, it is a very beautiful name.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
