Me llamo Steve

Question

I am learning the language and enjoy interacting with Spanish speaking people that come into my business. It is my perception that they are grateful that I am making an attempt to communicate in their native language. My question is a silly one, but it always makes me wonder. When my name is pronounced it is always as "ES teve" instead of "Steve". Why is that? Please believe me that this question is not posed to criticize, mock, or judge anyone.

Answer 1

Always say me llamo and then your name.I believe is the correct way in all Spanish speaking countres.

Thanks for the answer. Usually when leaving, the person will say, "Buenos tardes ESteve" where the "ES" sound is accented. - Chryslerpetz, Aug 15, 2009

Answer 2

They say 'es'teve because in their language there are not words that have just an 's' followed by a consonant. it always must have the 'e' in front of it. unless followed by a vowel.

es't'upido

s'u'elto

Answer 3

Are they pronouncing it as you would in English and just adding a sound at the beginning or are they pronouncing your name [ the ...eve] as the letters would sound in Spanish?

Steven in Spanish is Esteban - a mental mixing?

I tend to agree with Champ. It may be some defect in how you have introduced yourself and they are copying your pronunciation. Mi nombre "es Steve".

Try wearing a name tag for awhile and see if the problem disappears.

Maybe someone is mocking you? Purposely copying your poor pronunciation of your name?

Curious!

Buenos tardes, Ésteve.

Thank you again for the answer. Very interesting points. The only customers I feel comfortable to coverse with in Spanish are well known folks that are very, very nice. They all know my name so I belive it may be the "Estiban" theory. Defect? Possibly ;) - Chryslerpetz, Aug 15, 2009