me llaman
/me ʝaman/from spelling rules
The English phrase "they call me" is translated into Spanish as me llaman.
This phrase is used to state what other people call someone, whether it is a name, a nickname or a description or title (for example, they call me crazy).
Which one should you use?
While me llaman is the general way to say "they call me", you can use Me apodan if you specifically mean "they nickname me".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase me llaman, the subject ellos or ellas (they) is often omitted because the verb ending -an already indicates a third-person plural subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ʝaman/
Did you know?
- The phrase me llaman is a common trope in the lyrics of traditional Spanish and Latin American songs to introduce a persona or a legendary figure.
- The word me in me llaman comes from the Latin 'mē', which was the accusative form of 'ego'.
- In some regions, using me llaman to introduce oneself can sound more humble or indirect than the reflexive me llamo, as it attributes the name to how others perceive the speaker.
Examples in context
- Me llaman Bob.They call me Bob.This example shows how to state a name using me llaman.Tatoeba #1089631 by Shishir, translation #306717 by CN
- Me llaman capitán.They call me captain.This example shows how to use me llaman with a title.Tatoeba #1732183 by marcelostockle, translation #305366 by CK
- Las mujeres me llaman feo hasta que descubren el dinero que tengo. Y cuando lo descubren me llaman feo y pobre.Women call me ugly until they find out how much money I have. After they have found that out, they call me ugly and poor.This example illustrates using me llaman with descriptions.Tatoeba #3888514 by Shishir, translation #9669950 by Ergulis
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel meet for the first time at a party.
- ElenaHola, soy Elena, pero mis amigos me llaman Eli.Hi, I'm Elena, but my friends call me Eli.
- DanielMucho gusto, Eli. Yo soy Daniel.Nice to meet you, Eli. I am Daniel.
- Elena¿Tienes algún apodo, Daniel?Do you have a nickname, Daniel?
- DanielSí, en mi familia me llaman Dani.Yes, in my family they call me Dani.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
