Unit 1 — Lesson 3
Self-Introduction
Nome e Identificação
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Key Concept
In Portuguese, to introduce your name you use the reflexive verb chamar-se (literally: to call oneself), not simply 'to be'. This is because Portuguese treats naming as a reflexive action — you 'call yourself' a name.
The verb chamar-se is reflexive: the pronoun (me, te, se, nos, se) changes based on who is speaking. The main verb chamar conjugates like a regular -ar verb, and the reflexive pronoun attaches with a hyphen.
Key Phrase — Try saying it!
Chamo-me...
Conjugation of Chamar-se (to call oneself)
| Pronoun | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Eu | chamo-me | I call myself / My name is |
| Tu | chamas-te | You call yourself (informal) |
| Ele / Ela / Você | chama-se | He/She calls himself/herself / Your name is (formal) |
| Nós | chamamo-nos | We call ourselves |
| Eles / Elas / Vocês | chamam-se | They/You (pl.) call themselves |
Common Questions
Como te chamas?
What is your name? (informal)Como se chama?
What is your name? (formal) / What is his/her name?Example Dialog
Olá! Como te chamas?
Hello! What is your name?Chamo-me Maria. E tu?
My name is Maria. And you?Eu chamo-me João. Muito prazer.
My name is João. Nice to meet you.Muito prazer.
Nice to meet you.Practice Time