Gaining a basic understanding of different languages opens up a whole new world of opportunities. Spanish, with around 460 million native speakers, is one of the most widely spoken languages globally. Whether you’re planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country or simply want to expand your linguistic skills, knowing how to ask “What is it called?” can be extremely useful. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to ask this question in Spanish, providing key tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Ways
In more formal situations, it is important to use the appropriate language to convey respect and politeness. Here are two common ways to ask “What is it called?” formally in Spanish:
1. ¿Cómo se llama?
The phrase “¿Cómo se llama?” is a formal way of asking for the name or title of something or someone. It can be used when speaking to someone you don’t know well, to an elderly person, or in professional settings. Let’s look at an example:
María: Disculpe, señor. ¿Cómo se llama este edificio tan impresionante?
(Excuse me, sir. What is this impressive building called?)Señor: Este edificio se llama el Palacio de Bellas Artes.
(This building is called the Palace of Fine Arts.)
Remember to use “se llama” when referring to a singular noun. If the noun is plural, you should use “se llaman” instead:
María: Señor, ¿y estos edificios?
(Sir, and these buildings?)Señor: Estos edificios se llaman los Apartamentos del Sol.
(These buildings are called the Sun Apartments.)
2. ¿Cuál es su nombre?
Another formal way to ask “What is it called?” in Spanish is “¿Cuál es su nombre?” which translates to “What is its name?” or “What is your name?” depending on the context. This phrase is often more suitable when referring to people. Let’s see an example:
María: Perdón, señora. ¿Cuál es su nombre?
(Excuse me, ma’am. What is your name?)Señora: Mi nombre es Ana García.
(My name is Ana García.)
Always make sure to adapt the possessive pronoun “su” according to the person you are addressing, using “su” for formal singular or formal plural, and “tu” for informal singular:
María: Disculpa, ¿cuál es tu nombre?
(Excuse me, what is your name?)Javi: Mi nombre es Javier Santos.
(My name is Javier Santos.)
Informal Ways
When talking with friends, family, or in more informal situations, you can use different expressions to ask “What is it called?” in Spanish. Let’s explore some common phrases:
1. ¿Cómo se llama esto?
When referring to an object, you can ask “¿Cómo se llama esto?” which translates to “What is this called?”. This phrase is a suitable choice for everyday conversations:
Pedro: Oye, amigo. ¿Cómo se llama esto?
(Hey, buddy. What is this called?)Amigo: Eso se llama un control remoto.
(That is called a remote control.)
Note that “esto” can be replaced with “eso” (that) or “aquello” (that over there) depending on the proximity of the object, and the article “un” (a/an) will change depending on the gender and number of the noun.
2. ¿Cómo lo llaman?
If you’re referring to singular objects, you can also ask “¿Cómo lo llaman?” which means “How do they call it?” This phrase can be used to inquire about something specific:
Laura: Este lugar es muy interesante. ¿Cómo lo llaman?
(This place is very interesting. How do they call it?)Amiga: A este lugar le llaman el Jardín Botánico.
(They call this place the Botanical Garden.)
Remember to adapt the article and pronoun according to the gender and number of the noun you’re referring to. For plural objects, use “¿Cómo los llaman?” instead.
Tips for Usage
Here are a few additional tips to make your communication more effective when asking “What is it called?” in Spanish:
- Context matters: Pay attention to the context in which you’re asking the question. This will help you choose the most appropriate phrase and formality level.
- Politeness counts: In situations where you’re unsure about the level of formality, it’s generally better to err on the side of being more formal and polite.
- Listen and practice: The more you listen to native Spanish speakers and practice your language skills, the more comfortable you’ll become using these phrases.
- Expand your vocabulary: While these phrases are useful, expanding your vocabulary will open up even more possibilities for conversation.
- Dialects and regional variations: Although this guide focuses on standard Spanish, it’s worth noting that there are dialects and regional variations across Spanish-speaking countries. These variations may involve different expressions or pronunciation, but the phrases mentioned here will generally be understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Remember, language learning is a journey. Embrace the process, stay curious, and enjoy the experience of exploring a new language and culture!
