Spanish for English speakers School · Lesson 4

Exchanging names

Exchange names in Spanish — ¿Cómo te llamas? (What's your name?) — and respond Me llamo Cassian. Plus the polite formal address.

Conversation

  1. Lindo Lindo

    ¿Y tú cómo te llamas?

    And what is your name?

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

  2. Cassian Cassian

    Me llamo Cassian. ¿Y usted quién es?

    My name is Cassian. And who are you?

    Tip: <Usted> is a formal way to say "you". You use it when talking to adults or authorities

  3. Lindo Lindo

    Yo soy Lindo, tu profesor.

    I am Lindo, your teacher.

    Tip: Lindo is saying <Yo soy Lindo>, or "I am Lindo", whereas previously, Cassian said <Me llamo Cassian>, which is "My name is Cassian"

  4. Cassian Cassian

    Mucho gusto, profesor.

    Nice to meet you teacher

    Tip: You can also say "encantado" o "un placer"

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

Cómo te llamas vs Cuál es tu nombre?

¿Cómo te llamas? = 'what are you called?' (more common). ¿Cuál es tu nombre? = 'what is your name?' (more direct, slightly formal).

Tú vs Usted for 'you'?

Tú is informal (friends, peers, family). Usted is formal (strangers, elders, professional). Use usted when in doubt to show respect.

How do you ask 'who are you?'

¿Quién eres? (informal) or ¿Quién es usted? (formal). More common in introductions: ¿Y tú quién eres?

Next lesson in School Asking about family members →