¿Cómo se llama usted?
/ˈkomo se ˈʝama usˈted/word by word
The English phrase 'what is your name? (formal)' is translated into Spanish as ¿Cómo se llama usted?
This phrase is a polite way to ask someone for their name. It is typically used in more formal or official contexts, such as when addressing older people, authority figures or in business situations.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'How do you call yourself?' using the formal pronoun usted.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun usted is used to indicate respect and formality. Because of this, the reflexive verb form se llama is used instead of the informal te llamas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkomo se ˈʝama usˈted/
What mistakes should you avoid?
While ¿Cuál es su nombre? is grammatically correct, using it can feel too much like a form-filling situation. ¿Cómo se llama usted? is the more natural way to ask someone directly.
When do people say it?
When someone asks you this, the standard way to respond is by using the first-person reflexive form Me llamo… followed by your name.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- ¡Buenos días! ¿Cuál es su nombre?Good morning! What is your name?
- Disculpe, señor. ¿Cómo se llama usted?Excuse me, sir. What is your name?
- Disculpe, ¿cómo se llama usted?Excuse me, what is your name?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are meeting for the first time at a professional conference.
- JavierHola, mucho gusto. ¿Cómo se llama usted?Hello, nice to meet you. What is your name?
- ElenaMucho gusto, mi nombre es Elena.Nice to meet you, my name is Elena.
- JavierEncantado, Elena. Yo soy Javier.Delighted, Elena. I am Javier.
- ElenaEs un placer conocerlo, Javier.It is a pleasure to meet you, Javier.
