What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "how is your name?", using como (how) instead of "what".
Which one should you use?
While como é o seu nome? is common, you might encounter Qual é o seu nome? This version uses the interrogative pronoun qual (which one) and serves as a more direct translation of "What is your name?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to adjust the formality of this question. For a more formal or elegant approach, you can use Como se chama? In Brazil, the informal version Como você se chama? can also be used. For a formal way to ask, Qual é o seu nome? is also appropriate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the phrase Como você se chama? can also be used as an informal way to ask someone's name.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase como é o seu nome?, the possessive adjective seu must agree in gender with the noun nome, which is masculine. If you were referring to a grammatically feminine noun in a different context, you would use sua. In casual speech, the definite article o can be dropped, resulting in Como é seu nome?
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈkõ.mu ˈɛ ˈɔ sew ˈnõ.mi/. The first of six syllables is stressed.
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Examples in context
- Bom dia, como você se chama?Good morning, what is your name?
- Oi, como é o seu nome?Hi, what is your name?
Example conversation
Juliana and Lucas meet at a social event.
- JulianaOlá, como é o seu nome?Hello, what is your name?
- LucasMeu nome é Lucas. E o seu?My name is Lucas. And yours?
- JulianaEu sou a Juliana. Prazer em conhecê-lo.I am Juliana. Nice to meet you.
- LucasO prazer é meu, Juliana.The pleasure is mine, Juliana.
