Inklingo

How to Say "you name" in Spanish

English → Spanish

llamas

/YA-mas//'ʝa.mas/

verbA1informal
Use this word when asking someone what their name is, using the informal 'tú' conjugation of the verb 'llamar' (to call).
A cartoon person holding a simple red vintage telephone receiver to their ear, illustrating the action of calling someone.

Examples

¿Cómo te llamas?

What is your name?

Si necesitas ayuda, me llamas.

If you need help, you call me.

Tú llamas a la puerta mientras yo espero en el coche.

You knock on the door while I wait in the car.

The 'Tú' Form

The '-as' ending on verbs like 'llamas' is a big clue that someone is talking to 'tú' (one person, informally). It's one of the most common verb endings you'll see.

'Llamas' vs. 'Llama'

Mistake: “Él llamas por teléfono.”

Correction: Use 'llamas' only for 'tú' (you). For 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), or 'usted' (you, formal), the ending changes to '-a': 'Él llama'.

mentes

MEN-tehsˈmen.tes

verbC1formal
Use this word when referring to the act of mentioning or naming someone or something, using the informal 'tú' subjunctive conjugation of the verb 'mentar' (to mention).
A simple figure pointing directly at a distinct object, such as a bright red ball, indicating that they are mentioning it.

Examples

Espero que no mentes su nombre en la reunión.

I hope that you don't mention his name in the meeting.

Tú mentes los problemas cada vez que nos vemos.

You name/mention the problems every time we see each other. (Indicative use, very formal/rare)

Subjunctive Form

This form ('mentes') is most often used when expressing a wish, desire, or doubt about the action of 'mentioning' someone or something, usually after trigger words like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'quiero que' (I want that).

Confusing 'mentar' and 'mentir'

Mistake: “People often confuse 'mentar' (to mention) with the very common verb 'mentir' (to lie). The 'tú' form for 'mentir' is 'mientes' (you lie), which is a stem-changing verb, not 'mentes'.”

Correction: If you mean 'to lie', use 'mientes'. If you mean 'to mention', use 'mentes' (though 'mencionas' is much more common).

Asking vs. Mentioning

Learners often confuse 'llamas' (from 'llamar' - to call/name) with 'mentes' (from 'mentar' - to mention). Remember that 'llamas' is used for asking someone's name ('What do you call yourself?'), while 'mentes' is for the act of mentioning a name or topic.

Related Translations

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