nombre

/nom-breh/

A simple name tag with a blank space for a name, with a friendly hand pointing to it.

Just like this name tag tells you who someone is, 'nombre' is the word for a person's name.

nombre (Noun)

mA1

name?a person's given name

Also:first name?specifically, not the surname

📝 In Action

¿Cuál es tu nombre?

What is your name?

Mi nombre es Sofía.

My name is Sofía.

Le pusieron el nombre de su abuela.

They gave her her grandmother's name.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

nombre de pila – first name / given name
nombre completo – full name
cambiar de nombre – to change one's name

Idioms & Expressions

llamar a las cosas por su nombre – to call a spade a spade; to speak directly and honestly

💡 Grammar Points

Always a 'Masculine' Word

Even if it's a woman's name, the word 'nombre' itself is always masculine. So you say 'el nombre' (the name) or 'un nombre bonito' (a pretty name).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing up 'nombre' and 'apellido'

Mistake: "Pensé que tu nombre era García."

Correction: Pensé que tu apellido era García. Use 'nombre' for a first name (like 'David') and 'apellido' for a last name (like 'García').

⭐ Usage Tips

Asking for a Name

To ask 'What is your name?', you can say '¿Cuál es tu nombre?' or '¿Cómo te llamas?'. Both are very common and mean the same thing.

A simple drawing of a house with a tag above it that says 'NOUN'.

'Nombre' is also the Spanish word for a 'noun'—a word that names a person, place, or thing, like 'casa' (house) or 'perro' (dog).

nombre (Noun)

mA2

noun?grammatical term

📝 In Action

En español, el nombre suele ir antes del adjetivo.

In Spanish, the noun usually goes before the adjective.

La palabra 'mesa' es un nombre común.

The word 'mesa' is a common noun.

Los nombres propios se escriben con mayúscula.

Proper nouns are written with a capital letter.

Word Connections

Synonyms

sustantivo (noun)

Common Collocations

nombre propio – proper noun
nombre común – common noun
nombre colectivo – collective noun

⭐ Usage Tips

'Sustantivo' is More Common

When talking about grammar, you'll hear both 'nombre' and 'sustantivo' for 'noun.' 'Sustantivo' is a bit more formal and precise, but people will understand 'nombre' perfectly.

A respected scientist with gray hair smiling kindly, with awards visible on the wall behind her.

Sometimes, 'nombre' can mean a person's reputation or fame, like having a 'big name' in a certain field.

nombre (Noun)

mB2

reputation?a person's standing

Also:name?fame, renown

📝 In Action

Es una científica de gran nombre en su campo.

She is a scientist with a great name/reputation in her field.

Se ha ganado un nombre como un artista innovador.

He has made a name for himself as an innovative artist.

Actuó en nombre de toda la organización.

He acted on behalf of the entire organization.

Word Connections

Synonyms

reputación (reputation)
fama (fame)
prestigio (prestige)

Common Collocations

ganarse un nombre – to make a name for oneself
en nombre de – on behalf of / in the name of

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

This meaning is more abstract. You'll understand it from context, especially when someone talks about a person's status or accomplishments.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: nombre

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'nombre' to mean 'reputation'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

nombrar(to name, to appoint) - verb

nombramiento(appointment, nomination) - noun

pronombre(pronoun) - noun

apellido(last name, surname) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'nombre' and 'llamarse'?

They are two different ways to say the same thing! 'Nombre' is a noun (a thing), as in 'Mi nombre es...' (My name is...). 'Llamarse' is a verb (an action), as in 'Me llamo...' (I call myself...). Both are perfect for introducing yourself.

Is 'nombre' ever feminine?

No, the word 'nombre' itself is always masculine, so we say 'el nombre' or 'un nombre'. This is true even if the name itself belongs to a woman, like 'El nombre María es muy común' (The name Maria is very common).