Come ti chiami?
Come ti chiami? is the Italian phrase for 'what is your name?'
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Come ti chiami? literally translates to 'How do you call yourself?'
Which one should you use?
Come ti chiami? uses the informal second-person singular pronoun ti, making it appropriate for peers, children or casual settings. In contrast, Come si chiama? is the formal version.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form Come si chiamano? is used when asking for the names of a group of people.
When do people say it?
The standard way to respond to Come ti chiami? is by using the reflexive verb Mi chiamo followed by your name.
Did you know?
- The verb chiamare used in this phrase is the root for the English word 'chameleon', as the lizard is thought to 'call' out its color to match its surroundings in ancient folk etymology.
- While Come ti chiami? asks for a name, Italians may use the phrase Chi sei? meaning 'who are you?' in specific contexts, which can sound much more confrontational than the English equivalent.
- In Italy, it is common to avoid using the formal Come si chiama? once you have established a rapport, quickly switching to the informal Come ti chiami? to signal a closer social bond.
Examples in context
- Ciao! Come ti chiami?Hi! What is your name?
- Buongiorno! Come si chiama?Good morning! What is your name?
- Scusa, come ti chiami?Excuse me, what is your name?
- E tu, come ti chiami?And you, what is your name?
Example conversation
Two students meet for the first time at school.
- MartinaCiao, io sono Martina. Come ti chiami?Hi, I am Martina. What is your name?
- FrancescoCiao Martina, mi chiamo Francesco.Hi Martina, my name is Francesco.
- MartinaPiacere di conoscerti, Francesco!Nice to meet you, Francesco!
- FrancescoPiacere mio!My pleasure!
