In this beginner Portuguese lesson, you will learn how to introduce yourself and ask others for their name. You will practice phrases like "Eu sou a Ana." and "Como te chamas?", and you will see how these phrases work in a short dialogue. The lesson focuses on listening, repeating, and using the phrases in simple conversations.
Objectives
- Say your own name using "Eu sou a Ana." or "O meu nome é João."
- Ask someone's name informally with "Como te chamas?" and answer with "Chamo-me Sofia."
- Respond politely when meeting someone by saying "Muito prazer."
Phrases
I am Ana.
Use this to state your name. The definite article "a" before "Ana" is optional and depends on register and dialect.My name is João.
A slightly more formal way to give your name. The definite article "o" before "João" is optional.What is your name? (informal)
Use this with one person you know well or someone your age. For formal situations, use "Como se chama?".My name is Sofia.
Literally "I call myself Sofia." This is a very common way to give your name.Nice to meet you.
Use this when meeting someone for the first time.Explanations
Saying your name
To state your name in Portuguese, you can say "Eu sou a Ana." or "O meu nome é João." The phrase "Chamo-me Sofia." is another natural way to say "My name is Sofia." The definite article before a first name, as in "a Ana" or "o João", is optional and depends on the speaker's variety and level of formality. In many contexts, people simply say "Eu sou Ana" or "O meu nome é João" without the article.
Asking and answering names
Use "Como te chamas?" to ask someone's name informally when speaking to one person. A common reply is "Chamo-me...", which literally means "I call myself..." and is very common in everyday Portuguese. After an introduction, you can say "Muito prazer." to mean "Nice to meet you."
Saying where you are from
To say where you are from, use "Sou de" plus a place. For example, "Sou de Lisboa." means "I am from Lisbon." Do not say "Sou Lisboa." In the dialogue, "E tu?" means "And you?" and invites the other person to answer.
Dialogue
Hello! I am Pedro. What is your name?
Hello, Pedro. My name is Marta. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, Marta. Where are you from?
I am from Lisbon. And you?
Pronunciation
Listen carefully to the recording, repeat each phrase aloud, and copy the rhythm and intonation you hear. Pay attention to the nasal sound in "não" and the open vowel in "é". Practice the dialogue with a partner, taking turns as A and B.
Common mistake
Saying "Sou Lisboa" to mean "I am from Lisbon."
Say "Sou de Lisboa." Use "Sou de" plus a place to say where you are from.
Practice
Listen to the recording and repeat the phrase that means "I am Ana."
The recording says "Eu sou a Ana." Listen and repeat it.
Show answer
Eu sou a Ana.The phrase "Eu sou a Ana." means "I am Ana." The definite article "a" before "Ana" is optional and depends on register and dialect.
You meet a new classmate. Say the phrase that asks their name informally.
Use "Como te chamas?" when speaking to one person informally.
Show answer
Como te chamas?"Como te chamas?" is the informal way to ask "What is your name?" to one person.
After someone introduces themselves, respond with the phrase that means "Nice to meet you."
Say "Muito prazer."
Show answer
Muito prazer."Muito prazer." is the standard phrase for "Nice to meet you."
You can now introduce yourself, ask someone's name informally, and say where you are from in Portuguese. Practice these phrases with a partner or on Yapr.
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