Come si chiama?

What is your name?

Pronunciation

CHIA-ma — the 'chi' sounds like 'ki'. Stress on first syllable.

When to use it

Ask when meeting someone formally. 'Come si chiama?' uses the formal 'si' form. In informal contexts, 'come ti chiami?' is used. Always use the formal with strangers until invited to informality.

What it means

Italian names follow specific patterns: first name ('nome di battesimo' = baptism name), family name ('cognome'). In formal address, use 'Signor + cognome' or 'Signora + cognome'. Never use a first name with someone you've just met formally unless invited. Titles (Dottore, Professore, Ingegnere) are used frequently.

Variations

Come ti chiami?

What is your name? (informal)

For people your own age or younger in social contexts.

Mi chiamo Marco.

My name is Marco.

Standard self-introduction — 'mi chiamo' = I am called.

Piacere di conoscerla.

Pleased to meet you (formal).

The formal version — for 'Lei' register contexts.

Mini Dialogue

— Buongiorno, come si chiama? — Mi chiamo Lucia Ferrari. Piacere. — Piacere mio, Marco Bianchi. La stavo aspettando. — Mi scusi il ritardo. — Non si preoccupi. Si accomodi pure.

— Good morning, what is your name? — My name is Lucia Ferrari. Pleased to meet you. — My pleasure, Marco Bianchi. I was expecting you. — I apologise for being late. — Don't worry. Please sit down.

Cultural Note

Italian professional titles are used with great frequency. A doctor is 'Dottore/Dottoressa' even in casual conversation; an engineer is 'Ingegnere'; a lawyer 'Avvocato'. Even university graduates are sometimes called 'Dottore' as a sign of respect. Using someone's title correctly signals cultural awareness.

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