Portuguese Phrase
Como te chamas?
Meaning
This is the most common informal way to ask someone's name in Portuguese. It literally translates to 'How do you call yourself?' using the reflexive verb 'chamar-se'.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual situations when meeting peers, children, or people younger than you. It is the standard informal greeting for introductions in social settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comotechamas
Como
The question word meaning 'how', used here to ask the manner in which one is called.
Te chamas
The reflexive form of the verb 'chamar' conjugated for the informal 'you' (tu).
🗨In Conversation
Olá! Como te chamas?
Hello! What is your name?
Chamo-me Ricardo, e tu?
My name is Ricardo, and yours?
✕Common Mistakes
Como tu chama?
The verb must be conjugated in the second person (chamas) to match the informal 'tu' pronoun.
Como se chamas?
Use 'te' for the informal second person; 'se' is reserved for formal or third-person address.
↔Alternatives
Qual é o seu nome?
What is your name? (More formal/neutral)
Como se chama?
What is your name? (Formal)
Cultural Tip
In Portugal, using 'tu' (Como te chamas?) is strictly for friends and peers. If you are in a professional setting or speaking to an elder, always opt for 'Como se chama?' to remain polite and respectful.