épelez-moi votre nom
The English phrase "spell your name for me" is translated into French as épelez-moi votre nom.
This phrase is used as a request for someone to state the letters of their name one by one. When responding to this request, you might use the phrase J'épelle followed by each letter and a reference word to ensure clarity, such as D comme David.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb épelez, which is the imperative form of épeler (to spell) and the pronoun moi, which functions as an indirect object meaning "for me" or "to me".
Which one should you use?
While épeler is the infinitive form meaning "to spell", the form épelez is a direct command or request used when asking someone to perform the action.
Did you know?
- If you are filling out a form and see the word nom, it might actually be asking for your 'last name' rather than your full name. In many French administrative contexts, nom refers to the family name, while prénom is used for your given name.
- While épelez is the standard request, French speakers often use the phrase comment ça s'écrit (how is that written) as a more natural way to ask someone to spell their name.
- The word nom shares its distant ancestry with the English 'name' and the Sanskrit 'nāman', tracing back to a single Proto-Indo-European root.
Examples in context
- Épelez-moi votre nom, s'il vous plaît.Spell your name for me, please.
- Désolé, épelez-moi votre nom pour vérifier.Sorry, spell your name for me to check.
Example conversation
A clerk is checking Chloé's information at a registration desk.
- NathanBonjour, j'ai besoin de vos coordonnées.Hello, I need your contact details.
- ChloéJe m'appelle Chloé Durand.My name is Chloé Durand.
- NathanÉpelez-moi votre nom pour le dossier.Spell your name for me for the file.
- ChloéBien sûr, c'est D-U-R-A-N-D.Of course, it is D-U-R-A-N-D.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nom, votre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
