se llaman
/se ʝaman/from spelling rules
The English phrase "their names are" is expressed in Spanish as se llaman.
In Spanish, it is more common to use the reflexive verb llamarse (to be called) to introduce names rather than using the possessive construction "sus nombres son".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase se llaman literally translates to "they call themselves".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb llaman must be in the third-person plural to agree with multiple people or things.
How do you pronounce it?
/se ʝaman/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, you can use se llaman to introduce inanimate objects, effectively treating a building or a storm as if it were 'calling itself' by that name.
- The phrase se llaman can also mean 'they call each other' when referring to phone conversations, utilizing the same reflexive structure.
- The word se in se llaman actually evolved from the Latin word 'illī', which originally meant 'to him' or 'to them' instead of 'themselves'.
Examples in context
- Se llaman Tom y Ken.Their names are Tom and Ken.This sentence is useful for introducing the names of two people using se llaman.Tatoeba #637573 by Dejo, translation #305306 by CN
- Los nombres de ellos son Ana y Luis.Their/Their names are Ana and Luis.
- Sus nombres son María y Pedro.Their names are María and Pedro.
- Ellos se llaman Carlos y Laura.They are called Carlos and Laura.
- Ellos se llaman Juan y Luis.Their names are Juan and Luis.
- Mis gatos se llaman Luna y Sol.My cats' names are Luna and Sol.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are looking at a photo of some friends.
- Elena¿Quiénes son ellos?Who are they?
- JavierSe llaman Ana y Marta.Their names are Ana and Marta.
- Elena¿Son tus primas?Are they your cousins?
- JavierSí, son mis primas.Yes, they are my cousins.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
