How To Say "My Name Is" In Spanish - A Short Guide on Spanish Introductions
A proper introduction is not only a courtesy to the people you meet, but it is also a favor to yourself. This is because you allow them to know who you are, what you do, and where your interests lie. This, in turn, opens you up to opportunities in the form of financial gains, building a network, and fostering relationships.
It is essential to craft a proper introduction, one that adequately represents the results you are looking for, considering all the benefits. You should always remember that the words you use are dependent on the situation you are in. When it comes to selecting the proper phrase, you should pay attention to the person you are talking to, their interest, or their relationship to you.
Telling someone who you are is often the first step to start a conversation. If you want to learn more practical vocabulary to engage in many interesting conversations, take a look at our Spanish Frequency Dictionaries. You’ll learn 10,000 most common words in Spanish with all the important information you may need including an example sentence translated into English.
How to Introduce Yourself in Spanish
Below is a list of the most common ways to introduce yourself in the Spanish language so you will make a good impression in any situation.
How to Translate “My Name Is” into Spanish
The phrase is Mi nombre es. It’s pronounced [mi ˈnõm.bɾe ˈɛs] in the IPA transcription. It is used in formal settings, ideally through phone calls and voice messages. It is essential to remember that your name is a title and should be in the singular.
In most formal face-to-face settings, this is used when you are in a room full of strangers, for instance, the first day at a new job. After the name, you then give further information about yourself including your job title, and what your role is.
- Mi nombre es Jane, la nueva directora de marketing. Voy a trabajar en estrecha colaboración con todos los equipos. – My name is Jane, the new marketing director. I will be working closely with all the teams.
When to Use “Me llamo”
Me llamo literally translates as “I call myself.” The pronunciation is [me ˈʝa.mo]. It’s less formal than mi nombre es and can be used in any informal situation. It does not highlight who calls you that name and why they do so.
Other forms of this phrase are “my friends call me,” which translates as mis amigos me llaman or “they call me,” which is me llaman in Spanish. When using any of the three phrases, you could do a formal introduction and then conclude with a nickname or the one people are more comfortable using.
- Mi nombre es Maria Christina, pero mis amigos me llaman Chris. – My name is Maria Christina, but my friends call me Chris.
Saying “Soy” to Introduce Yourself
“Soy” simply means “I am.” It’s pronounced [ˈsoi].
This phrase is used in face-to-face introductions, and in most cases, there has been prior information passed on between the two parties. The information does not have to be a result of direct contact. Any form of familiarity with the other party warrants an “I am” introduction.
For instance, if you are a journalist meeting the CEO of a company you have written about, soy is an appropriate introduction. It also works if you are meeting a blind date at a restaurant.
However, it is essential to note that it should be used in an informal, casual, and semi-formal setting. If used in professional situations, you will come off as being too familiar, which most superiors do not appreciate.
- ¡Hola! Yo soy John; María me ha hablado mucho de ti. – Hi! I am John; Mary has told me so much about you.
Meaning of “Me Conocen”
- Me conocen como – I am known as
While this can be used when giving your name to a stranger, it also leaves room for one to focus on their abilities and best qualities. “I am known as” could be followed by a wide range of accomplishments. This is ideal for a situation where people are interested in knowing more about you, outside of the name you give them. It provides leeway for further elaboration.
However, it is essential to ensure that you do not oversell your qualities so that you do not come off as ignorant and proud.
- Me conocen como Jeremy, el conserje de la escuela – I am known as Jeremy, the school janitor.
This phrase can be used with other introductory ones to create a distinction between the different things that define you as a person. In such cases, I am known as may take the form of other deflections of my name is as seen below.
- Mi nombre es Jennifer; mis amigas me llaman Jen, soy conocida como una de las principales mujeres emprendedoras en la industria de la belleza. – My name is Jennifer; my friends call me Jen, I am known as one of the leading female entrepreneurs in the world of beauty.
Other Phrases to Introduce Yourself in Spanish
- Solo llámame – Just call me
If the level of formality in a situation is not clear, it is easy for people to misaddress you. This phrase is used to correct someone on the ideal name to use when referring to you. Essentially, you can use this when someone is too formal when it is not necessary. It creates a sense of familiarity, which helps in easing conversations.
You can also use “you can call me,” which is puedes llamarme in Spanish. When you use this on a junior, they could either accept your offer for casual regard or decline it. Both responses are acceptable.
- Puedes llamarme David, Sr. Johnson es mi padre. – You can call me David, Mr. Johnson is my father.
- Mi apellido es – My last name is
In formal settings, your last name creates a distinction between you and any other person who you share first names with. In most cases, the surname is viewed as more respectable and formal.
Therefore, when making conversation in such situations, it is essential to introduce yourself using the last name. Also, this phrase is used to make corrections when people address you incorrectly, or when there is confusion about who is responsible for something.
- Disculpe, mi apellido es Parker, este no puede ser mi paquete. – I am sorry, my last name is Parker, this can't be my package.
If you want to learn more useful expressions in Spanish, don’t forget to look at our unique Spanish Frequency Dictionaries. In four books, you’ll get 10,000 most used words listed by frequency and alphabet together with a translation, pronunciation, and basic grammar. The example sentences are a great reading practice, too!