Italian · Greetings & Essentials
"My name is…" in Italian: mi chiamo…
mi chiamo…
My name is… in Italian is mi chiamo… (mee KYAH-moh), literally I call myself. You fill in your name: Mi chiamo Anna. With strangers you can also say Sono Anna, but mi chiamo is the classic learner phrase.
Language exchange
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How to pronounce mi chiamo…
Say it
mee KYAH-moh
/mi ˈkja.mo/
Mi chiamo is mee KYAH-moh. The chi sounds like kyah, not chee. Stress KYAH.
"My name is…" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| mi chiamo… | my name is… Standard informal and neutral intro. | Standard informal and neutral intro. |
| Mi chiamo Luca. | My name is Luca. Full sentence. | Full sentence. |
| sono… | I am… / I'm… Also used in introductions. | Also used in introductions. |
| il mio nome è… | my name is… More formal or written. | More formal or written. |
How to use mi chiamo… in real life
- 1Language exchange
Ciao, mi chiamo Sara.
Hi, my name is Sara.
Classic opener with tu.
- 2Hotel desk
Buongiorno, mi chiamo Rossi.
Good morning, my name is Rossi.
Surname after mi chiamo is fine.
- 3Group class
Io mi chiamo Marco, e tu?
My name is Marco, and you?
Invite the other person.
Mistakes English speakers make with mi chiamo…
Incorrect: Io chiamo Anna.
Correct: Mi chiamo Anna.
Need the reflexive mi: mi chiamo.
Incorrect: Mi chiami Paolo.
Correct: Mi chiamo Paolo.
Chiamo is I call myself; chiami is you call yourself.
Good to know
Italians often add a quick handshake or ciao after mi chiamo. In formal settings you may hear Il mio nome è… or just Sono + surname. Friends switch fast to first names once mi chiamo is out of the way.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Meeting at a cooking class
ChatPal
Piacere! Io mi chiamo Leo.
Nice to meet you! My name is Leo.
You
Piacere, mi chiamo Giulia.
Nice to meet you, my name is Giulia.
ChatPal
Perfetto. Mi chiamo così anche su WhatsApp.
Perfect. That's my name on WhatsApp too.
You
Ok, mi chiamo uguale lì.
Ok, same name there for me.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"My name is…" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "My name is…" in Italian
Mi chiamo or sono?
Both work. Mi chiamo is the textbook 'my name is'; sono + name is also natural.
How do you ask someone's name?
Come ti chiami? (informal) or Come si chiama? (formal).
Do I use tu after mi chiamo?
Yes with peers: Mi chiamo… e tu?
Can I give only my surname?
Yes in hotels or offices: Mi chiamo Bianchi.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- How to Learn Italian Fast and Speak with ConfidenceLearn how to learn Italian with a clear roadmap, speaking-first tactics and daily habits that turn basics into real conversation confidence.
- Translate Hello in Italian with ConfidenceLearn how to translate hello in Italian with context, pronunciation, and practice prompts. Master ciao, buongiorno, buonasera, and salve for real conversations.
