When you meet someone new, one of the first things you do is to give your name. In French, you have slightly more options than in English. This guide will walk you through how to say “my name is” in French, from the most common phrase to more formal options and even some fun shortcuts. You’ll be able to introduce yourself with confidence, no matter the context!
The Two Main Ways to Introduce Yourself
When you introduce yourself in French, you have two main options. They are both used very frequently, and the one you choose simply depends on how you want to phrase it.
The Most Common Phrase: Je m’appelle
The most common way to say “my name is”, the one you’ll probably learn in textbooks, is Je m’appelle. The phrase literally translates to “I call myself.” You can use it in almost any setting, from casual conversations with friends to meeting new people.
Click here to hear how to pronounce je m’appelle.
The Direct Statement: Je suis
Another very common way to introduce yourself is by using Je suis, which means “I am.” This phrase is perfect for when you want to make a direct statement about who you are. For example, you can say, “Je suis Julien,” which is a simple and effective way to introduce yourself. This phrase is also very useful because you can use it for many other things, like saying “I am tired” or “I am French.” Je suis fatigué. Je suis français.
Click here to hear how to pronounce je suis.
Informal Contractions of Je suis
In casual conversations, native French speakers often contract phrases. This happens with Je suis as well, and the contractions vary by region.
French Contractions: J’suis and Chui
In France, people might use the informal contractions j’suis or chui instead of je suis. This is a very casual way of speaking, and you should only use it with close friends.
Canadian Contractions: Chu and Ch’
In French-speaking parts of Canada, you might hear even shorter contractions, such as chu or ch‘. These are extremely informal and are best to avoid unless you are very comfortable with the local dialect. The more you contract the phrase, the less formal it becomes.
Another Simple Introduction: Moi, c’est
Another natural and very common way to introduce yourself is to say Moi, c’est…. This phrase, which means “Me, it’s…”, is a simple and friendly alternative to Je m’appelle. For example, you can just say, “Moi, c’est Julien,” which is a very natural way to introduce yourself, especially in a relaxed setting.
How about the literal translation: Mon nom est?
It’s not the most common sentence, but I would sometimes use it in a formal setting, such as a business meeting or a public speech. For example, I would say, “Mon nom est Julien Moulin, ” when addressing a large crowd on a stage.
Prénom vs. Nom de Famille
In English, you have a first name and a last name. In French, you have a prénom and a nom de famille.
- Mon prénom = My First Name: The word prénom means “first name.” It’s easy to remember because “pré” is a prefix that means “before,” so your first name comes before your family name.
- Mon nom de famille = My Last Name: The phrase nom de famille is how to say “last name” or closer “family name.” There isn’t a direct single-word translation for “last name” in French, so this phrase is what you need to learn.
Telling People How to Call You: Appelez-moi
If you want people to call you by a nickname, you can use the phrase appelez-moi, which means “call me.” You have a formal and informal option for this phrase as well:
- Appelez-moi: Use this formal version with the formal vous.
- Appelle-moi: Use this informal version with the informal tu.
Remember that the verb appeler also means to call someone on the phone. For example, you say, Appelle-moi plus tard to mean “Call me later.”
Putting It All Together: A Complete Introduction
Now you can combine everything to introduce yourself in a full sentence. For example:
- Je m’appelle Julien, et mon nom de famille est Moulin.
- Je suis Julien Moulin : Mon prénom est Julien et mon nom de famille est Moulin.
Ready for the next lesson?
Let’s study how to ask “What is your name?” In French!
Still an Absolute Beginner in French? First, let’s start with the alphabet!