Ti chiami
The Italian phrase for "your name is" is Ti chiami.
This phrase is used to ask for or state the name of another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Ti chiami literally means "you call yourself".
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the phrase from the informal "your name is" to the third person "his/her name is", use Si chiama.
Did you know?
- In Italy, using Ti chiami with a stranger or a superior can be seen as overly familiar or rude. In formal settings, Italians switch to the third person Si chiama to show respect.
- The verb chiamare inside Ti chiami is the same root used for the English word 'acclaim', as both come from the Latin word for shouting or calling.
- The act of asking for a name is often preceded by a greeting like Piacere, which means 'pleasure', acting as a shorthand for 'it is a pleasure to meet you'.
Examples in context
- Dimmi come ti chiami.Tell me what your name is.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use Ti chiami in a request.Tatoeba #3264294 by Guybrush88, translation #70356 by CK
- Buongiorno, mi scusi. Qual è il suo nome?Good morning, excuse me. What is your name?
- Ciao! Come ti chiami?Hi! What's your name?
- Ehi! Qual è il tuo nome?Hey! What is your name?
- Ti chiami Marco, vero?Your name is Marco, right?
- Come ti chiami?What is your name?
Example conversation
Sofia meets Matteo at a small party.
- SofiaCiao! Io sono Sofia.Hi! I am Sofia.
- MatteoPiacere, io sono Matteo.Nice to meet you, I am Matteo.
- SofiaScusa, ma come ti chiami esattamente?Excuse me, but what is your name exactly?
- MatteoMi chiamo Matteo Rossi.My name is Matteo Rossi.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
