The Literal Translation Trap
Mistake: “¿Qué es esto llamado?”
Correction: ¿Cómo se llama esto?
How to say
What is this called?
in Spanish¿Cómo se llama esto?
KOH-moh seh YAH-mah EHS-toh
This is the most common and universally understood way to ask for the name of an object you are pointing to or holding. It literally means 'How does this call itself?' and is your go-to phrase for this situation.
When you discover something new and interesting, use '¿Cómo se llama esto?' to ask what it's called.
🎬Watch & Learn
What is this called? — in Spanish
💬Other Ways to Say It
¿Qué es esto?
★★★★★
keh ehs EHS-toh
neutral🌍
The simplest way to ask 'What is this?'. While it doesn't specifically ask for the *name*, it serves the same purpose in most contexts and is often the first version learners pick up.
When to use: Perfect for beginners in any situation where you want a quick identification of an object, like in a market, a store, or just pointing at things around you.
¿Esto qué es?
★★★★★
EHS-toh keh ehs
informal🌍
A very common, conversational way of asking 'What is this?'. The inverted word order (placing 'esto' first) makes it sound very natural and spontaneous.
When to use: Use this in casual conversations with friends, at a market, or anytime you want to sound more like a native speaker in an informal setting.
¿Cómo se le dice a esto?
★★★★☆
KOH-moh seh leh DEE-seh ah EHS-toh
neutral🌍
This version translates more like 'How does one say this?' or 'What do people call this?'. It's great when you suspect there might be different names for something, or you're asking for the common term.
When to use: When you want to know the common or colloquial term for something, especially if you think there might be slang or regional names. Also useful when asking how to say a word you're pointing to in a book.
¿Cuál es el nombre de esto?
★★☆☆☆
kwahl ehs ehl NOHM-breh deh EHS-toh
formal🌍
A very literal translation of 'What is the name of this?'. It's grammatically perfect but can sound a bit stiff or academic in casual conversation.
When to use: Best for more formal settings, like a museum, a technical discussion, or when writing. It's less common in everyday chat but shows precision.
¿Cómo se llama esa cosa?
★★★☆☆
KOH-moh seh YAH-mah EH-sah KOH-sah
informal🌍
This means 'What is that thing called?'. Using 'cosa' (thing) is very common but can sometimes sound a little dismissive or vague, depending on the tone.
When to use: When you've forgotten the word and are gesturing towards something vaguely. Good for informal situations where you don't need to be precise.
🔑Key Words
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best phrase for your situation.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¿Cómo se llama esto? | Neutral | Almost any situation; it's the universally understood standard. | Never, this is always a safe and correct choice. |
| ¿Qué es esto? | Neutral | Quick, simple identification. Great for beginners. | You need a very specific or technical name for something. |
| ¿Esto qué es? | Informal | Casual, spontaneous conversations with friends or peers. | Speaking to someone in a formal position, like a police officer or a professor. |
| ¿Cuál es el nombre de esto? | Formal | Academic, technical, or very formal settings where precision is key. | Casual chats at a bar or market, where it can sound overly stiff. |
📈Difficulty Level
Overall Difficulty:beginnerMaster in a few hours
Pronunciation2/5
The sounds are mostly familiar to English speakers. The main small challenge is the 'll' in 'llama', which is pronounced like the 'y' in 'yes'.
Grammar2/5
The structure 'se llama' (a reflexive verb) is different from English, but as a set phrase it's very easy to memorize and use without deep grammatical knowledge.
Cultural Nuance1/5
This is a very straightforward and practical question. There are almost no cultural traps or nuances to worry about, making it great for beginners.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering the reflexive 'se' in '¿Cómo se llama?'
- Distinguishing when to use 'esto' (this), 'eso' (that), and 'aquello' (that over there).
💡Examples in Action
At a food market, pointing to a strange fruit.A1
Disculpe, ¿cómo se llama esto? Nunca lo he visto.
Excuse me, what is this called? I've never seen it.
A child talking to their parent in a park.A2
Mamá, mira este bicho. ¿Esto qué es?
Mom, look at this bug. What is this?
Discussing regional vocabulary with friends.B1
En Argentina le dicen 'palta', pero en México, ¿cómo se le dice a esto?
In Argentina they call it 'palta', but in Mexico, what do you call this?
A formal, technical inquiry at work.B1
Para el informe, necesito saber, ¿cuál es el nombre de esta herramienta específica?
For the report, I need to know, what is the name of this specific tool?
🌍Cultural Context
Pointing is Perfectly Fine
In most Spanish-speaking cultures, pointing directly at an object while asking this question is completely normal and expected. It's seen as efficient and clear, not rude. So go ahead and point to that delicious-looking pastry!
The Importance of 'This' vs. 'That'
To sound more natural, pay attention to distance. Use 'esto' for something you're holding or touching. Use 'eso' for something near the person you're talking to. Use 'aquello' for something far from both of you. For example, '¿Cómo se llama eso?' (What's that called?) when pointing to something on their desk.
Expect Different Answers
The beauty of Spanish is its regional diversity. The answer to '¿Cómo se llama esto?' can change dramatically from country to country. Popcorn is 'palomitas' in Mexico, 'pochoclo' in Argentina, and 'cotufas' in Venezuela. Asking this question is a great way to learn local vocabulary.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Qué' and 'Cuál'
Mistake: “¿Qué es el nombre de esto?”
Correction: ¿Cuál es el nombre de esto?
Forgetting the 'se'
Mistake: “¿Cómo llama esto?”
Correction: ¿Cómo se llama esto?
💡Pro Tips
Combine with a Gesture
This phrase is most powerful when paired with a non-verbal cue. Hold up the object, tap it, or point clearly. This removes any ambiguity and makes it easy for the other person to help you.
Listen for the Gender of the Noun
When someone answers, listen carefully for the article 'el' (masculine) or 'la' (feminine) before the noun. For example, if they say 'Es **un** bolígrafo' or '**el** bolígrafo', you've just learned that 'bolígrafo' is a masculine word. This is super helpful for your grammar later on!
Start with 'Disculpe'
To be polite when asking a stranger (like a shopkeeper), start your question with 'Disculpe' (Excuse me). So, 'Disculpe, ¿cómo se llama esto?' is a perfect and polite way to ask.
🗺️Regional Variations
🌍
Universal
Preferred:¿Cómo se llama esto?
Pronunciation:Standard pronunciation is widely understood.
Alternatives:
¿Qué es esto?¿Cómo se le dice a esto?
The core phrases for asking this question are remarkably consistent across the Spanish-speaking world. The main variation you'll encounter is in the vocabulary of the *answers* you receive.
⚠️ Note: The incorrect literal translation '¿Qué es esto llamado?' should be avoided everywhere.
🌍
Argentina & Uruguay
Preferred:¿Cómo se llama esto?
Pronunciation:The most notable difference is the 'll' in 'llama', which is pronounced with a 'sh' sound, like 'shama' (/KOH-moh seh SHAH-mah EHS-toh/). This is called 'sheísmo'.
Alternatives:
¿Esto qué es?¿Qué es eso?
The informal, conversational tone of '¿Esto qué es?' fits very well with the Rioplatense Spanish spoken here. The 'sh' pronunciation is a key indicator of the region.
🇪🇸
Spain
Preferred:¿Cómo se llama esto?
Pronunciation:In most of Spain, the 'c' in 'dice' (from the variation ¿Cómo se le dice...?) is pronounced with a 'th' sound, like 'thee-theh'. The 'll' sound is typically a 'y' sound.
Alternatives:
¿Qué es esto?¿Esto cómo va?
While the main phrases are the same, you might hear the informal '¿Esto cómo va?' which is a bit like 'How does this thing work?' but can also be used to ask what something is.
🇲🇽
Mexico
Preferred:¿Cómo se llama esto?
Pronunciation:Pronunciation is very clear, often considered a standard for learners. The 'll' in 'llama' sounds like a 'y'.
Alternatives:
¿Qué es esto?¿Cómo le dicen a esto?
This phrase is essential for navigating Mexico's famous markets ('mercados' or 'tianguis'). Mexicans are generally very friendly and happy to explain what different foods, crafts, or items are.
💬What Comes Next?
After they tell you the name of the object.
They say:
Es un molcajete.
It's a molcajete (a traditional mortar and pestle).
→
You respond:
Gracias. ¿Y para qué sirve?
Thank you. And what is it used for?
After they identify a food item for you.
They say:
Se llaman chapulines.
They're called grasshoppers.
→
You respond:
¡Qué interesante! ¿A qué saben?
How interesting! What do they taste like?
After they give you a simple answer.
They say:
Es una pluma.
It's a pen.
→
You respond:
Ah, vale. ¿Me prestas una?
Ah, okay. Can you lend me one?
🧠Memory Tricks
Picture a Llama asking its name. The key verb is 'llama' (YAH-mah). Imagine a llama pointing with its long neck and asking, 'Como se LLAMA esto?' The silly image of a talking llama will help you remember the verb.
This visual gag connects the Spanish word 'llama' to the English animal name, making the core part of the phrase unforgettable.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is the sentence structure. English uses 'What is it called?', a passive construction. Spanish uses '¿Cómo se llama?', a reflexive structure that literally means 'How does it call itself?'. This concept of objects 'naming themselves' is common in Spanish and is a key structural difference to get used to.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
¿Para qué sirve?
This is the most logical follow-up question after you learn an object's name.
¿Cuánto cuesta?
If you're asking about an item in a store or market, this is the next step before buying.
¿De qué está hecho?
A useful question for understanding more about an object's material or ingredients.
No entiendo la palabra.
This is a key phrase for when they give you an answer you don't recognize.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz: What is this called?
Question 1 of 4
You're at a hardware store and see a tool you don't recognize. What's the most common, neutral way to ask the employee what it's called?
Use phrases naturally, not mechanically
Knowing a phrase is one thing — using it at the right moment is another. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see phrases in the contexts where they actually belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between '¿Cómo se llama esto?' and '¿Qué es esto?'
Think of it like this: '¿Cómo se llama esto?' specifically asks for the NAME of the object. '¿Qué es esto?' is a broader question asking for IDENTIFICATION. In 99% of cases, they'll get you the same answer, but '¿Cómo se llama?' is slightly more precise if you really just want the word for it.
Can I just say '¿Qué es?'
You can, but it can sound a bit abrupt, like saying 'What's that?' while pointing. It's better to include 'esto' or 'eso' ('¿Qué es esto?') to be clearer and a little softer. It's not rude, just very direct.
How do I change the phrase if the object is far away?
Easy! Just swap 'esto' (this, right here) for 'eso' (that, near you) or 'aquello' (that, way over there). For example, if you're pointing to something across the street, you'd ask, '¿Cómo se llama aquello?'
Is it rude to point when I ask?
Not at all! In the context of asking what something is called, pointing is completely natural and helpful in Spanish-speaking cultures. It's considered a practical gesture, not an impolite one.
Why does Spanish use 'cómo' (how) instead of 'qué' (what) in the main phrase?
This is a great question that shows a key difference between the languages. Spanish uses a reflexive verb, 'llamarse', which means 'to call oneself'. So, the phrase literally translates to 'How does this call itself?'. It's a different way of thinking about naming, but once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.
Will people understand me if I make a mistake and say '¿Qué es esto llamado?'
Yes, they will almost certainly understand what you're trying to ask from the context. Spanish speakers are generally very patient with learners. However, learning the correct '¿Cómo se llama esto?' will make you sound much more natural and confident.
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