Asking Someone's Name

You start a conversation with someone new by asking their name and sharing yours.

You
Hola, disculpa. ¿Cómo te llamas?
OH-lah, dees-KOOL-pah. KOH-moh teh YAH-mahs?
Hi, excuse me. What's your name?
"Disculpa" is the informal "excuse me" — use it with people your age or younger. Use "disculpe" for formal situations.
Local
Me llamo Carlos. ¿Y tú?
meh YAH-moh KAR-lohs. ee TOO?
My name is Carlos. And you?
You
Yo me llamo... Mucho gusto, Carlos.
yoh meh YAH-moh... MOO-choh GOOS-toh, KAR-lohs.
My name is... Nice to meet you, Carlos.
Using someone's name when you greet them makes the interaction feel more personal and is appreciated in Latin American culture.
Local
Igualmente. ¿De dónde eres?
ee-gwahl-MEHN-teh. deh DOHN-deh EH-rehs?
Likewise. Where are you from?
"Igualmente" means "likewise" or "same to you." It is the standard reply to "mucho gusto."