mi chiamo
my name is (literally: I call myself)
Beginner Phrase
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Pronunciation
/mi ˈkja.mo/
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Cultural Note
Italians use the reflexive 'mi chiamo' (I call myself) rather than a direct 'il mio nome è' (my name is). This reflexive construction is standard across Romance languages. When introducing yourself, the typical formula is: 'Ciao/Buongiorno + mi chiamo [name] + piacere.' Italians often follow up with 'di dove sei?' (where are you from?).
📝 Example Sentences
Ciao, mi chiamo Giulia, e tu?
Hi, my name is Giulia, and you?
Piacere, mi chiamo Roberto.
Nice to meet you, my name is Roberto.
Mi chiamo Anna, ma tutti mi chiamano Nini.
My name is Anna, but everyone calls me Nini.