"what is your name?"

Question

Span¡shD!ct Users,

I have seen "what is your name?" in a couple of slightly different ways. I'm wondering whether one is correctly used over another or if both are accurately used. I am new to this language, however I am most certainly happy to learn from experienced people who have that español tongue. [: (If any of these are correct, please type out the correct ones. If there are more ways to say it please type out the spanish and english translation. Please explain to me the usage!) ¿Como se llama?

¿Como te llamo?

[I am confused about the 'se' and 'te' and the 'llamo' and 'llama'.]

Comment if you are interested in helping me. Gracias.

                                        -Confundida

Answer 1

¿Cómo se llama? = What is your name? (asked in a polite way)

¿Cómo te llamo? = What do I call you? (asked in an informal way)

!Gracias por ayudarme para aprender! - ShannanB462, May 31, 2011

Answer 2

"llamar" is a verb that has to be conjugated to match the subject, which is not always written.

¿Cómo te llamas? What do you call yourself?

¿Cómo se llama [usted]? What do you (formal) call yourself?

¿Cómo te llamo? What do I call you?

One more:

¿Cómo se apellida [usted]? What is your last name?

You may not know it but this is very encouraging and helpful. Muchos gracias! - ShannanB462, May 31, 2011

Me complace que te haya ayudado. ¡Buena suerte! - GuitarWarrior, May 31, 2011

Answer 3

¿Cómo se apellida [usted]? What is your last name?

I don't know if it's a regional thing, but another way of saying this is:

¿Cuál es su apellido?

That's another way - just like "¿Cómo te llamas?"="¿Cuál es tu nombre?" The latter is just uncommon. - GuitarWarrior, May 31, 2011