se llaman
/se ʝaman/from spelling rules
The English phrase "they are called" is translated into Spanish as se llaman.
The phrase se llaman is versatile and can be used for both people and inanimate objects or concepts. For example, you can use it to identify people, such as "They are called Juan and Maria," or to name objects and ideas, such as "They are called stars."
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, se llaman translates to "they call themselves." This is because the phrase uses the reflexive pronoun se along with the verb llamar.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the verb llamar is conjugated in the third-person plural present indicative.
How do you pronounce it?
/se ʝaman/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Todos tenemos nuestras máquinas del tiempo. Algunas nos llevan hacia atrás, se llaman recuerdos. Otras nos llevan hacia delante, se llaman sueños.We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they are called dreams.This example shows how to use se llaman when referring to memories and dreams.Tatoeba #1551431 by Shishir, translation #1550454 by Manfredo
- Se les llama los expertos en su campoThey are called the experts in their field.
- Se les llama Las DivasThey are called The Divas.
- Se les llama los Aventureros Urbanos.They are called the Urban Adventurers.
- Esas flores se llaman tulipanes.Those flowers are called tulips.
- Mis amigos se llaman Luis y Pablo.My friends are called Luis and Pablo.
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at a group of new neighbors.
- Javier¿Quiénes son ellos?Who are they?
- MaríaSe llaman Carlos y Elena.They are called Carlos and Elena.
- Javier¡Qué nombres tan bonitos!What beautiful names!
- MaríaSí, son muy amables.Yes, they are very kind.
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.
