How to Say What Is Your Name in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
Updated for 2026, if you are learning Spanish, one of the first phrases you will want to know is "What is your name?" or "How do I ask someone's name in Spanish?". This basic yet essential question helps you introduce yourself and get to know others. In this article, we explore different ways to say "What is your name?" in Spanish, including cultural context, variations based on age and social status, and regional differences.
2,500 most common Spanish words with IPA pronunciation & bilingual example sentences
How to Say What Is Your Name in Spanish
The phrase "What is your name?" in Spanish is commonly expressed as "¿Cómo te llamas?" (IPA: /ˈko.mo te ˈʝa.mas/). This is the most universal way to ask for someone's name. However, there are regional variations depending on context and formality.
How to Ask Name in Spanish
Want to improve your Spanish?
The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →In some parts of Latin America, people might use "¿Cómo se llama usted?" (IPA: /ˈko.mo se ˈʝa.ma uˈsted/), which is a more formal way to ask for someone's name. In Spain, you might hear "¿Cómo te llamas tú?" (IPA: /ˈko.mo te ˈʝa.mas ˈtu/), where the pronoun "tú" is added for emphasis.
Spanish Greetings with Name Inquiry
Asking someone's name in Spanish is a polite and respectful way to start a conversation. It shows interest and respect for their identity, which is highly valued in Spanish-speaking cultures. Names often carry religious or historical significance and reflect family background.
Meaning of "What Is Your Name" in Spanish
When you ask someone's name in Spanish, it opens the door to further conversation. You might inquire about the meaning behind their name, any stories associated with it, or if they have a nickname. This helps establish a connection and learn more about the person.
Translating "What Is Your Name" to Spanish
To say "What is your name?" in Spanish, use "¿Cómo te llamas?" (IPA: /ˈko.mo te ˈʝa.mas/). Here's a breakdown of each word:
- ¿Cómo? (IPA: /ˈko.mo): This means "how" and is used to start a question.
- Te (IPA: /te/): This is the reflexive pronoun for "you".
- Llamas (IPA: ˈʝa.mas): This is the present tense of the verb "llamar," which means "to call."
The literal translation would be "How do you call yourself?" or "What do you call yourself?"
Regional Differences in Asking for Names
In some parts of Latin America, people might use "¿Cómo se llama usted?" (IPA: /ˈko.mo se ‘ʝa.ma uˈsted/), a more formal way to address someone. In Spain, you might hear "¿Cómo te llamas tú?" (IPA: /ˈko.mo te ˈʝa.mas ˈtu/). The pronoun "tú" is added for emphasis or clarification but does not change the meaning.
Build Your Spanish Vocabulary Systematically
The fastest way to grow your Spanish vocabulary is to start with the words you'll actually encounter every day. The Spanish Frequency Dictionary covers the 2,500 most common Spanish words, each with IPA pronunciation, an English translation, and bilingual example sentences.
Browse the full range of Spanish frequency dictionaries to find the volume that matches your level.