Italian for English speakers School · Lesson 4

Exchanging names

Exchange names in Italian — Come si chiama? (What's your name? formal) — and Mi chiamo Cassian.

Conversation

  1. Lindo Lindo

    E tu come ti chiami?

    And what is your name?

    Tip: <Tu> is the informal way to say "you"

  2. Cassian Cassian

    Mi chiamo Cassian. E lei chi è?

    My name is Cassian. And who are you?

    Tip: <Lei> literally means "she", but it can also be a formal way to say "you"

  3. Lindo Lindo

    Io sono Lindo, il tuo professore

    I am Lindo, your teacher

    Tip: Lindo is saying <Io sono Lindo>, or "I am Lindo", whereas previously, Cassian said <Mi chiamo cassian>, which is "My name is Cassian"

  4. Cassian Cassian

    Piacere professore

    Nice to meet you teacher

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

Tu vs Lei in Italian?

Tu is informal singular. Lei is formal singular (capitalized in writing when meaning 'you formal'). Voi for plural.

Come si chiama vs come ti chiami?

Lei form: Come si chiama? Tu form: Come ti chiami? Both ask 'what's your name?'. Use Lei for strangers.

How do you ask 'who are you?'

Chi sei? (informal) or Chi è Lei? (formal). At first meeting: Come ti chiami? is friendlier.

Next lesson in School Asking about family members →