If you're learning Spanish, one of the first things you'll want to know is how to introduce yourself. And of course, part of that is knowing how to ask someone their name. There are a few different ways to do this in Spanish, but the most common way is to say "¿Cómo te llamas?"
This phrase literally means "How do you call yourself?" It's a bit more formal than the English equivalent, but it's still perfectly acceptable to use in most situations. In fact, you're more likely to hear "¿Cómo te llamas?" than the more informal "¿Cómo te dicen?" which literally means "What do they call you?"
Now that you know how to ask someone their name in Spanish, you can use this phrase to introduce yourself to new people. Just remember to say your name with confidence and a smile. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, everyone makes them when they're learning a new language.
what's your name in spanish
There are several ways to say "what's your name" in Spanish, depending on the formality of the situation.
- Formal: ¿Cómo se llama usted?
- Informal: ¿Cómo te llamas?
- More informal: ¿Cuál es tu nombre?
- For a group: ¿Cómo se llaman ustedes?
- More informal for a group: ¿Cómo os llamáis?
- For a child: ¿Cómo te llamas, niño/niña?
- Asking someone's full name: ¿Cómo te llamas y apellidos?
- Asking someone's nickname: ¿Tienes algún apodo?
- Responding to "what's your name": Me llamo [your name].
Remember to use the correct form of address depending on the situation and the person you are speaking to.
Formal: ¿Cómo se llama usted?
Use this phrase when addressing someone formally, such as a stranger, an elder person, a person in a position of authority, or someone you don't know well.
Break down:
- ¿Cómo: How
- Se: Formal reflexive pronoun (used before llama)
- Llama: To call
- Usted: Formal pronoun for "you"
Putting it together:
¿Cómo se llama usted? = How do you call yourself?
Example:
Person A: Buenas tardes, ¿cómo se llama usted?
Person B: Buenas tardes, me llamo Juan.
Translation:
Person A: Good afternoon, what is your name?
Person B: Good afternoon, my name is Juan.
Note:
When responding to the question "¿Cómo se llama usted?", you can simply say "Me llamo [your name]." For example:
Person A: Buenas tardes, ¿cómo se llama usted?
Person B: Me llamo María.
Translation:
Person A: Good afternoon, what is your name?
Person B: My name is María.
Informal: ¿Cómo te llamas?
Use this phrase when addressing someone informally, such as a friend, family member, or someone you know well.
- Meaning: How do you call yourself?
Break down:
- ¿Cómo: How
- Te: Informal pronoun for "you"
- Llamas: To call
Use this phrase in informal situations, such as when speaking to friends, family, or people you know well. It is also appropriate to use this phrase with children.
Example:Person A: Hola, ¿cómo te llamas?
Person B: Hola, me llamo Pedro.
Translation:
Person A: Hi, what's your name?
Person B: Hi, my name is Pedro.
Note:When responding to the question "¿Cómo te llamas?", you can simply say "Me llamo [your name]." For example:
Person A: Hola, ¿cómo te llamas?
Person B: Me llamo María.
Translation:
Person A: Hi, what's your name?
Person B: My name is María.
Remember:
It is important to use the correct form of address depending on the situation and the person you are speaking to. If you are unsure whether to use the formal or informal form, it is always better to err on the side of caution and use the formal form.
More informal: ¿Cuál es tu nombre?
Use this phrase when addressing someone in a very informal way, such as a close friend or family member, or someone you are very familiar with.
- Meaning: What is your name?
Break down:
- ¿Cuál: Which
- Es: Is
- Tu: Informal pronoun for "you"
- Nombre: Name
Use this phrase in very informal situations, such as when speaking to close friends, family members, or people you are very familiar with. It is also appropriate to use this phrase with children.
Example:Person A: Oye, ¿cuál es tu nombre?
Person B: Mi nombre es Juan.
Translation:
Person A: Hey, what's your name?
Person B: My name is Juan.
Note:When responding to the question "¿Cuál es tu nombre?", you can simply say "Mi nombre es [your name]." For example:
Person A: Oye, ¿cuál es tu nombre?
Person B: Mi nombre es María.
Translation:
Person A: Hey, what's your name?
Person B: My name is María.
Remember:
It is important to use the correct form of address depending on the situation and the person you are speaking to. If you are unsure whether to use the formal, informal, or more informal form, it is always better to err on the side of caution and use the formal form.
For a group: ¿Cómo se llaman ustedes?
Use this phrase when addressing a group of people formally, such as a group of strangers, a group of elders, or a group of people in a position of authority.
Break down:
- ¿Cómo: How
- Se: Formal reflexive pronoun (used before llaman)
- Llaman: To call
- Ustedes: Formal pronoun for "you" (plural)
Putting it together:
¿Cómo se llaman ustedes? = How do you all call yourselves?
Example:
Person A: Buenas tardes, ¿cómo se llaman ustedes?
Person B: Buenas tardes, nos llamamos Juan y María.
Translation:
Person A: Good afternoon, what are your names?
Person B: Good afternoon, our names are Juan and María.
Note:
When responding to the question "¿Cómo se llaman ustedes?", you can simply say "Nos llamamos [your names]." For example:
Person A: Buenas tardes, ¿cómo se llaman ustedes?
Person B: Nos llamamos Pedro, María y Juan.
Translation:
Person A: Good afternoon, what are your names?
Person B: Our names are Pedro, María, and Juan.
Remember:
It is important to use the correct form of address depending on the situation and the people you are speaking to. If you are unsure whether to use the formal or informal form, it is always better to err on the side of caution and use the formal form.
More informal for a group: ¿Cómo os llamáis?
Use this phrase when addressing a group of people informally, such as a group of friends, family members, or people you know well.
- Meaning: What are your names?
Break down:
- ¿Cómo: How
- Os: Informal pronoun for "you" (plural)
- Llamáis: To call
Use this phrase in informal situations, such as when speaking to friends, family members, or people you know well. It is also appropriate to use this phrase with children.
Example:Person A: Hola a todos, ¿cómo os llamáis?
Person B: Hola, me llamo Juan y él es Pedro.
Translation:
Person A: Hi everyone, what are your names?
Person B: Hi, my name is Juan and this is Pedro.
Note:When responding to the question "¿Cómo os llamáis?", you can simply say "Nos llamamos [your names]." For example:
Person A: Hola a todos, ¿cómo os llamáis?
Person B: Nos llamamos María, Pedro y Juan.
Translation:
Person A: Hi everyone, what are your names?
Person B: Our names are María, Pedro, and Juan.
Remember:
It is important to use the correct form of address depending on the situation and the people you are speaking to. If you are unsure whether to use the formal, informal, or more informal form, it is always better to err on the side of caution and use the formal form.
For a child: ¿Cómo te llamas, niño/niña?
Use this phrase when asking a child their name. It is a friendly and respectful way to address a child.
- Meaning: What is your name, child?
Break down:
- ¿Cómo: How
- Te: Informal pronoun for "you"
- Llamas: To call
- Niño/niña: Child (masculine/feminine)
Use this phrase when speaking to a child. It is appropriate to use this phrase in both formal and informal situations.
Example:Person A: Hola niño, ¿cómo te llamas?
Person B: Me llamo Juan.
Translation:
Person A: Hello child, what is your name?
Person B: My name is Juan.
Note:When responding to the question "¿Cómo te llamas, niño/niña?", you can simply say "Me llamo [your name]." For example:
Person A: Hola niña, ¿cómo te llamas?
Person B: Me llamo María.
Translation:
Person A: Hello child, what is your name?
Person B: My name is María.
Remember:
It is important to be respectful when speaking to children. Always use polite language and avoid using slang or offensive words.
Asking someone's full name: ¿Cómo te llamas y apellidos?
Use this phrase when you want to ask someone their full name, including their first name and last name. This is a common question to ask when you are meeting someone for the first time or when you need to fill out a form.
Break down:
- ¿Cómo: How
- Te: Informal pronoun for "you"
- Llamas: To call
- Y: And
- Apellidos: Last names
Putting it together:
¿Cómo te llamas y apellidos? = What is your full name?
Example:
Person A: Hola, ¿cómo te llamas y apellidos?
Person B: Me llamo Juan García Pérez.
Translation:
Person A: Hello, what is your full name?
Person B: My name is Juan García Pérez.
Note:
In Spanish, it is customary to use both your first name and last name when introducing yourself. Your last name is typically your father's last name, followed by your mother's last name.
Remember:
It is important to be polite and respectful when asking someone their name. Always use polite language and avoid using slang or offensive words.
Asking someone's nickname: ¿Tienes algún apodo?
Use this phrase when you want to ask someone if they have a nickname. Nicknames are common in Spanish-speaking countries, and they are often used by friends and family members.
Break down:
- ¿Tienes: Do you have
- Algún: Any
- Apodo: Nickname
Putting it together:
¿Tienes algún apodo? = Do you have a nickname?
Example:
Person A: Hola, ¿cómo te llamas? ¿Tienes algún apodo?
Person B: Me llamo Juan, pero mis amigos me llaman Juanito.
Translation:
Person A: Hello, what is your name? Do you have a nickname?
Person B: My name is Juan, but my friends call me Juanito.
Note:
Nicknames in Spanish can be based on a person's physical appearance, personality, or interests. They can also be simply a shortened version of a person's given name.
Remember:
It is important to be respectful when asking someone about their nickname. Some people may not like their nickname, or they may not want to share it with you. Always be polite and understanding.
Responding to "what's your name": Me llamo [your name].
When someone asks you your name in Spanish, you can simply respond with "Me llamo [your name]." This is a polite and respectful way to introduce yourself.
- Meaning: My name is [your name].
Break down:
- Me: Me
- Llamo: To call
- [Your name]: Your name
Use this phrase when someone asks you your name. It is appropriate to use this phrase in both formal and informal situations.
Example:Person A: Hola, ¿cómo te llamas?
Person B: Me llamo María.
Translation:
Person A: Hello, what is your name?
Person B: My name is María.
Note:When responding to the question "¿Cómo te llamas?", you can also use the phrase "Mi nombre es [your name]." This phrase means the same thing as "Me llamo [your name]."
Remember:
It is important to be polite and respectful when introducing yourself. Always use polite language and avoid using slang or offensive words.
FAQ
Have a question about "what's your name" in Spanish? Check out our frequently asked questions below:
Question 1: What is the most common way to ask "what's your name" in Spanish?
Answer 1: The most common way to ask "what's your name" in Spanish is "¿Cómo te llamas?"
Question 2: Is it okay to use "¿Cómo te llamas?" in formal situations?
Answer 2: No, it is not appropriate to use "¿Cómo te llamas?" in formal situations. Instead, you should use "¿Cómo se llama usted?"
Question 3: How do I ask someone's name if I don't know their gender?
Answer 3: You can use the phrase "¿Cómo se llama?" This phrase is gender-neutral and can be used to ask anyone's name.
Question 4: What is a common way to ask someone's nickname?
Answer 4: A common way to ask someone's nickname is "¿Tienes algún apodo?"
Question 5: How do I respond to the question "¿Cómo te llamas?"
Answer 5: You can respond by saying "Me llamo [your name]."
Question 6: Can I use "mi nombre es [my name]" instead of "me llamo [my name]"?
Answer 6: Yes, you can use either phrase. They both mean the same thing.
We hope this FAQ has been helpful! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Now that you know how to ask and answer "what's your name" in Spanish, here are a few tips to help you use it correctly:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you use "what's your name" in Spanish correctly and confidently:
Tip 1: Use the correct form of address.
When asking someone's name, it is important to use the correct form of address. If you are speaking to someone formally, use "¿Cómo se llama usted?" If you are speaking to someone informally, use "¿Cómo te llamas?"
Tip 2: Be prepared to answer the question yourself.
When someone asks you your name, be prepared to answer the question yourself. You can simply say "Me llamo [your name]."
Tip 3: Pay attention to pronunciation.
Pronunciation is important in Spanish. Make sure you pronounce someone's name correctly. If you are unsure how to pronounce a name, ask the person to repeat it.
Tip 4: Use nicknames with caution.
Nicknames are common in Spanish, but it is important to use them with caution. Only use a nickname if you are sure that the person is comfortable with it.
We hope these tips have been helpful! With a little practice, you'll be able to use "what's your name" in Spanish like a native speaker.
Now that you know how to ask and answer "what's your name" in Spanish, as well as some tips for using it correctly, you're well on your way to mastering this essential Spanish phrase.
Conclusion
"What's your name" is one of the most important phrases to know in any language. It's a way to introduce yourself and get to know someone new. In Spanish, there are a few different ways to ask "what's your name," depending on the formality of the situation and the person you are speaking to.
The most common way to ask "what's your name" in Spanish is "¿Cómo te llamas?" This phrase is used in informal situations, such as when speaking to friends, family, or people you know well. To ask someone's name in a more formal setting, you can use "¿Cómo se llama usted?"
No matter which phrase you use, it is important to be polite and respectful when asking someone their name. Always use proper grammar and pronunciation, and make sure to pay attention to the person's response.
With a little practice, you'll be able to use "what's your name" in Spanish like a native speaker. So get out there and start practicing!