Spanish for Kids
How to Say "My name is" in Spanish
Introducing yourself is the first step to making friends from a new culture.
In Spanish (Español)
Me llamo...
Pronounced: may YAH-moh
What “My name is” means and when to use it
The listed Spanish expression in this lesson is “Me llamo....” Its beginner pronunciation approximation is “may YAH-moh.” Introducing yourself is the first step to making friends from a new culture. The approximation is a reading scaffold, not a replacement for the native writing or for listening to a speaker whose variety you are learning.
Use this phrase to begin introducing yourself. The listed text may expect a name to follow, but names should not be forced into a grammatical pattern without language-specific knowledge. In practice, say the listed phrase, pause, then say your actual name naturally as a name rather than pretending it is translated. A nickname, initial, or fictional character name is fine for privacy. Introductions may also require a different level of formality with adults than with children.
Never rename someone to make their identity easier for others. The lesson's pronunciation approximation applies to the phrase, not to a person's name.
Spanish pronunciation workshop
Spanish has five steady vowel sounds: a as in father, e roughly like eh, i like ee, o like a short oh, and u like oo. Keep each vowel clear rather than sliding it into another sound. The written h is normally silent, while j is a breathy sound made farther back in the mouth. A single r is a light tap; a written rr is longer. Stress often falls on the next-to-last syllable unless an accent mark or spelling pattern points elsewhere. The capitalized syllable in our pronunciation hint marks emphasis, but the hint is only an English-friendly approximation.
Now apply those sound ideas specifically to “Me llamo....” Read the native form first, then use “may YAH-moh” to locate the broad sound sequence and emphasized syllable. Say the entire expression in one comfortable turn. Do not substitute English sounds more strongly merely because a letter looks familiar, and do not erase marks, accents, or characters when copying it.
Tap once for each syllable, then say the phrase without stretching the vowels. Compare the printed Spanish with the pronunciation guide and circle any accent mark. Say it first at careful speed and then at a friendly conversational speed, keeping the same clear vowels.
Respectful context across Spain & Latin America
Spanish is used across many countries, and everyday choices differ by region. In many places, speakers use tú with friends and children and usted in more formal or respectful situations; plural forms also vary. Greetings may be warm, but learners should follow the other person's lead about handshakes, cheek kisses, titles, and personal space. No single accent is the one correct Spanish accent. Listen respectfully for local vocabulary and rhythm rather than trying to imitate a stereotype.
This lesson teaches one useful listed translation, not the only wording used by all Spanish speakers. Age, relationship, region, and situation can change a speaker's choice. A good learner notices those choices, asks respectfully when appropriate, and accepts correction without arguing that a phrase list must outrank a person's own language experience.
Practice activity: scene, speak, reflect
Create a name card using a real first name, initial, or invented character name. Partner A says the translated my-name-is phrase, makes a clear pause, and displays the card; then says the card's name without changing it. Partner B uses only the listed hello as a response. Swap roles through school, club, and online-class scene prompts. On the last round, remove the pronunciation guide but keep the native writing visible. Discuss why names deserve the pronunciation their owner requests.
Use three passes. On pass one, read “Me llamo...” while a partner checks every word or character. On pass two, look only at the scene card and retrieve the expression from memory. On pass three, use an English scene prompt and deliver the Spanish speaking turn at a natural volume. Afterward, explain in English why the phrase fit that scene. This keeps meaning, respectful behavior, and pronunciation together instead of rewarding speed alone.
A successful attempt is understandable and considerate, not accent-free. Mark one detail you kept consistent—perhaps the stress, a long vowel, a tone direction, a final consonant, or the full word order—and choose one detail for another careful repetition. Stop before practice becomes rushed. Short, attentive rounds build a more reliable memory than saying the phrase many times without listening to yourself or your partner.
Practice dialogue
- Scene prompt (English)
- Two children are introduced at a club meeting.
- Spanish speaking turn — Learner A
- Hola
- Role-play cue (English)
- Learner A says the target introduction starter, pauses, and then says the role-play name “Sam” in English.
- Spanish target speaking turn — Learner A
- Me llamo...
- Role-play reply/action (English) — Learner B
- My name is Jo.
- Spanish speaking turn — Learner B
- Hola
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