Introducing Yourself and Asking Someone's Name in Spanish
Asking someone’s name in Spanish
After greeting someone, the next useful step is asking their name. For a simple informal exchange, use — What is your name?
Treat — What is your name? as a complete expression for now. You do not need to analyze the reflexive verb or pronoun yet.
- — What is your name?
- — My name is Ana.
- — I’m Daniel.
The question — What is your name? asks specifically for the other person’s name. A greeting such as — Hello. opens the exchange, but it does not ask for a name.
Introducing yourself with Me llamo or Soy
You can introduce yourself in two very simple ways: Me llamo… — My name is… and Soy… — I’m… . Both are useful in first introductions.
- — My name is Laura.
- — I’m Laura.
- — My name is Michael.
- — I’m Michael.
Use your real name after either expression. At this stage, learn both as ready-made patterns that let you introduce yourself quickly.
Adding a polite meeting phrase
After exchanging names, you can add — Nice to meet you. or — Nice to meet you. The ending depends on the speaker, but for now the important point is the function: it is a polite phrase used when meeting someone.
- — Nice to meet you.
- — Nice to meet you.
You may also hear — Nice to meet you. It is another common polite expression after an introduction.
- — Nice to meet you.
Repeating a name to confirm what you heard
When someone tells you their name, repeating it can confirm that you heard correctly. This is especially useful with unfamiliar names.
Person A: — Hello.
Person B: — Hello.
Person A: — What is your name?
Person B: — My name is Elena.
Person A: — Elena?
Person B: — Yes, Elena.
The repeated name is not a new grammar pattern. It is simply a practical way to check understanding before continuing.
Building a complete first introduction
A natural first exchange can move from greeting, to asking the name, to introducing yourself, and then to a polite closing phrase.
Person A: — Good morning.
Person B: — Good morning.
Person A: — What is your name?
Person B: — My name is Carlos.
Person A: — I’m Emma.
Person B: — Nice to meet you.
Person A: — Nice to meet you.
You can also reverse the order by giving your name first and then asking for the other person’s name.
Person A: — Hello. I’m David.
Person B: — Hello.
Person A: — What is your name?
Person B: — My name is Sara.
Keeping the exchange short and clear
At this level, a successful introduction does not need extra personal information. The core goal is simple: greet the person, ask their name, give your own name, and respond politely.
Do not worry yet about why llamas changes form or why Me appears before llamo. Those grammar points belong to later lessons. For now, use the complete expressions accurately and focus on the social exchange they perform.
From exchanging names to repairing communication
You can now greet someone, ask their name, introduce yourself, and confirm a name you hear. The next lesson adds the Spanish you need when you do not understand and need someone to repeat or speak more slowly.
Spanish phrases
Hola.
Hello.
Buenos días.
Good morning.
¿Cómo te llamas?
What's your name?
Me llamo Ana.
My name is Ana.
Soy Daniel.
I'm Daniel.
Mucho gusto.
Nice to meet you.
Encantado.
Nice to meet you.
Encantada.
Nice to meet you.
¿Elena?
Elena?
Sí, Elena.
Yes, Elena.
Hola. Soy David.
Hello. I'm David.
Me llamo Carlos. Mucho gusto.
My name is Carlos. Nice to meet you.