Names are more than words — they are our first stories. When you tell someone your name, you’re offering a piece of who you are.
I still remember my first visit to Paris. Standing in a cozy café near Montmartre, I nervously told a friendly waiter, “Je m’appelle Sarah.” He smiled and replied, “Enchanté, Sarah” — “Nice to meet you.”
That simple exchange felt like magic. The French phrase “Je m’appelle” (meaning “my name is”) doesn’t just state a name — it reflects French elegance, self-awareness, and the importance of personal connection.
Let’s explore how to say “my name is” in French — and how people around the world introduce themselves with pride and warmth.
🗺️ Table of Introductions Around the World
| Language | Phrase for “My Name Is” | Cultural Insight |
|---|---|---|
| French | Je m’appelle | Literally “I call myself”; elegant and widely used in all contexts. |
| English | My name is… | Straightforward and simple; used in every social setting. |
| Spanish | Me llamo… | “I call myself”; often followed by a warm smile or handshake. |
| Italian | Mi chiamo… | Similar to French, emphasizing self-identity with friendliness. |
| German | Ich heiße… | Means “I am called”; formal yet personal. |
| Turkish | Benim adım… | “My name is”; often accompanied by polite gestures. |
| Arabic | Ismī… (اسمي) | “My name is”; often followed by greetings of peace. |
| Japanese | Watashi wa … desu (私は…です) | Formal and respectful introduction, often with a bow. |
| Mandarin (Chinese) | Wǒ jiào… (我叫) | Literally “I am called”; common and friendly. |
| Hindi (India) | Mera naam … hai (मेरा नाम … है) | Simple, warm, and used everywhere in India. |
| Swahili | Jina langu ni… | “My name is”; reflects community and openness. |
| Zulu | Igama lami ngu… | Introductions are often followed by inquiries about family. |
| Maori (New Zealand) | Ko … toku ingoa | Deeply cultural; connects name to ancestry and place. |
| Hawaiian | ʻO koʻu inoa … | Means “My name is”; reflects respect for lineage. |
| Russian | Menya zovut… (Меня зовут) | “They call me”; used both formally and informally. |
🇫🇷 How Do You Say “My Name Is” in French?
In French, you say “Je m’appelle…” (pronounced zhuh mah-pell).
Example: Je m’appelle Léa — “My name is Léa.”
Cultural Insight:
French introductions are polite and graceful. It’s common to add “Enchanté” (nice to meet you) afterward. When meeting someone new, the French appreciate eye contact, a friendly smile, and a light handshake — no over-enthusiasm, just sincerity.
The phrase literally means “I call myself,” showing how the French language values self-expression and reflection.
🇪🇺 How to Say “My Name Is” in European Languages
Europe’s greetings balance formality with charm.
- French — Je m’appelle: Elegant and melodic, reflecting self-awareness.
- Spanish — Me llamo: Lively and expressive; used in all Spanish-speaking countries.
- Italian — Mi chiamo: Romantic and rhythmic; mirrors Italian warmth.
- German — Ich heiße: Polite and precise; emphasizes clarity.
- Portuguese — Chamo-me: Direct and used with friendly gestures.
- Greek — Με λένε (Me léne): Literally “they call me”; conversational and warm.
European introductions often express respect and tradition — a handshake, eye contact, and formality are common before familiarity grows.
🌏 How to Say “My Name Is” in Asian Languages
Asia’s introductions often carry humility, spiritual connection, and respect.
- Japanese — Watashi wa … desu: Formal, accompanied by a bow to show honor.
- Chinese — Wǒ jiào …: A simple, universal greeting for all occasions.
- Korean — Je ireumeun … imnida: Structured, respectful, and polite.
- Hindi — Mera naam … hai: Used across India, reflecting hospitality.
- Arabic — Ismī …: Common across Arab nations; introduces name with peace.
- Thai — Chan chue … ka/krub: Adds gendered particles for politeness.
- Vietnamese — Tôi tên là …: Reflects simplicity and sincerity.
- Turkish — Benim adım …: Often followed by “memnun oldum” (nice to meet you).
Each phrase reflects not only identity but also cultural values of respect and community.
🌍 How to Say “My Name Is” in African Languages
Africa’s languages celebrate names as carriers of heritage.
- Swahili — Jina langu ni …: Names often have deep meanings tied to nature or ancestors.
- Zulu — Igama lami ngu …: Followed by family inquiries, showing belonging.
- Yoruba — Oruko mi ni …: Names reflect destiny or blessings.
- Amharic — Sime … new: From Ethiopia, blending language and pride.
- Shona — Zita rangu ndi …: Common and personal, used with a handshake.
- Somali — Magacaygu waa …: Spoken gently with a smile.
- Hausa — Sunana …: Reflects respect and identity.
- Wolof — Sama tur … la: Senegalese culture celebrates the name’s story.
For many African communities, a name is a legacy, and sharing it is a sacred act.
🌺 How to Say “My Name Is” in Indigenous & Island Languages
In island and indigenous cultures, introductions often connect one’s name to ancestry and land.
- Hawaiian — ʻO koʻu inoa …: Introduces one’s lineage with humility.
- Maori — Ko … toku ingoa: Ties identity to tribal and family history.
- Samoan — O loʻu igoa o …: Spoken with joy and pride in heritage.
- Cherokee — Tsi’sdv …: Used in greetings that emphasize harmony.
- Tahitian — Teu huru e …: Carries spiritual and familial connection.
- Fijian — Na yacaqu o …: Introductions are often ceremonial.
- Inuit — Uvunga …: Acknowledges presence in the circle of life.
- Tagalog — Ang pangalan ko ay …: Reflects warmth and openness.
These greetings remind us that in many cultures, names are not just labels — they are stories of origin.
💬 Cultural Insights: Why Names Matter
Names hold meaning, history, and emotion. In French, “Je m’appelle” highlights how we define ourselves by what we call ourselves — not just how others label us.
In other cultures, names are prayers (in Africa), respect (in Asia), or expressions of joy (in Latin America).
Every “My name is” builds a bridge between individuals — the start of every human connection.
🌸 Proverbs About Names and Identity
- French: “Un bon nom vaut mieux que de grandes richesses.” — “A good name is worth more than great riches.”
- Chinese: “A name is the blueprint of the soul.”
- Yoruba: “Oruko rere san ju wura lo.” — “A good name is better than gold.”
- Arabic: “Names are the first gifts parents give.”
- Swahili: “Jina zuri ni utajiri.” — “A good name is wealth.”
Every culture understands this truth: our names carry our essence.
❓ FAQs
Q1: How do you say “My name is” in French?
You say “Je m’appelle” — pronounced zhuh mah-pell.
Q2: What does “Je m’appelle” literally mean?
It means “I call myself.”
Q3: How do you respond to “Je m’appelle…” in French?
You can say “Enchanté(e)”, which means “Nice to meet you.”
Q4: Is there a more casual way to say it in French?
In informal situations, people may just say their name, e.g., “Moi, c’est Léa.” (“Me, it’s Léa.”)
Q5: Why do some languages say ‘I am called’ instead of ‘My name is’?
Because these languages focus on how others refer to you rather than how you define yourself. It reflects cultural perspectives on identity.
❤️ Conclusion: Saying Your Name, Sharing Your Story
Whether it’s “Je m’appelle,” “Me llamo,” “Wǒ jiào,” or “Jina langu ni,” saying your name is your first act of connection.
Through names, we introduce our souls to the world.
When you say “Je m’appelle”, you’re not just telling someone your name — you’re saying, “Here I am. This is me.”
💬 Now it’s your turn!
Comment below: How do you say “My name is” in your language? Let’s celebrate the beauty of self-introduction together. 🌍
