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"Se llama" is a form of "se llama", a phrase which is often translated as "his name is". "Llama" is a form of "llamar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to call". Learn more about the difference between "se llama" and "llama" below.
se llama(
seh
yah
-
mah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
b. her name is (feminine)
La conozco de vista, pero no sé cómo se llama.I know her by sight, but don't know what her name is.
c. its name is
Esta es una planta preciosa. ¿Qué es? - Se llama Hibiscus syriacus.This is such a beautiful plant. What is it? - Its name is Hibiscus syriacus.
d. it's called
¿Para qué empresa trabajas? - Se llama Aceros López Montesino.What company do you work for? - It's called Aceros Lopez Montesino.
e. is called
Mi hermano se llama Luis, y mi hermana Lorena.My brother is called Luis, and my sister Lorena.
2. (formal) (second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. your name is
Se llama Carmen, ¿verdad? Yo soy Rodolfo. - Encantada de conocerlo, Rodolfo.Your name is Carmen, isn't it? I'm Rodolfo. - Please to meet you, Rodolfo.
llamar(
yah
-
mahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to call
Llama a tu hermano para que te ayude a poner la mesa.Call your brother to help you set the table.
a. to call
Tengo otra persona en la línea. Tendré que llamarte en unos minutos.I have someone else on the line. I'll have to call you in a few minutes.
3. (to attract)
a. to appeal to
La idea de trabajar los fines de semana no me llama mucho.The idea of working on the weekends doesn't appeal to me very much.
a. to call
Mi nombre es Francisco, pero mis amigos me llaman "Paquito".My name is Francisco, but my friends call me "Paquito."
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
6. (to summon)
llamarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to be called
Se llama Emilia en honor a su abuela.She's called Emilia in honor of her grandmother.
c. to call oneself
Decidió llamarse Rex como nombre artístico.He decided to call himself Rex as his stage name.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Cómo se llaman tus hermanos?What are your brothers' names?
¿Cómo te llamas, amigo?What's your name, buddy?
