Significado
Asking for someone's name.
Contexto cultural
Greeks often use diminutives for names. If someone says 'Με λένε Γιώργο,' they might actually be 'Georgios' on their ID, but 'Giorgos' in life. In Cypriot Greek, the word order might shift slightly or the 'σε' might sound like 'σε' with a harder 'sh' sound in some dialects. In the US or Australia, Greeks might use 'Πώς σε λένε;' but then give an English name like 'Mike' instead of 'Michalis'. Asking a name often leads to knowing when someone's Name Day is. This is a huge part of Greek social bonding.
The 'Me' Response
Always answer with 'Με λένε' (Me lene) + [Name]. Don't say 'Είμαι [Name]' unless you want to sound very blunt.
The Formal Trap
If you're unsure, use 'Πώς σας λένε;'. It's better to be too polite than too rude.
Significado
Asking for someone's name.
The 'Me' Response
Always answer with 'Με λένε' (Me lene) + [Name]. Don't say 'Είμαι [Name]' unless you want to sound very blunt.
The Formal Trap
If you're unsure, use 'Πώς σας λένε;'. It's better to be too polite than too rude.
Add 'Χαίρω πολύ'
After they tell you their name, always say 'Héro polí' (Nice to meet you). It makes you sound much more fluent.
Name Day Magic
If you learn someone's name, try to find out their Name Day. It's the fastest way to a Greek person's heart!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing pronoun to ask a friend their name.
Πώς ___ λένε;
'σε' is the informal 'you' used in this phrase.
Which response is the most natural to 'Πώς σε λένε;'
Πώς σε λένε;
'Με λένε' followed by your name is the standard response.
Complete the dialogue between two students.
Α: Γεια! Είμαι η Μαρία. Πώς σε λένε; Β: ___________
It includes the name and the polite 'Nice to meet you'.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
To whom would you say 'Πώς σας λένε;'
'Πώς σας λένε;' is the formal version used for professionals.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Informal vs Formal
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΠώς ___ λένε;
'σε' is the informal 'you' used in this phrase.
Πώς σε λένε;
'Με λένε' followed by your name is the standard response.
Α: Γεια! Είμαι η Μαρία. Πώς σε λένε; Β: ___________
It includes the name and the polite 'Nice to meet you'.
To whom would you say 'Πώς σας λένε;'
'Πώς σας λένε;' is the formal version used for professionals.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasYes, it's correct, but 'Πώς σε λένε;' is much more common in daily life.
Because it's an impersonal construction meaning 'How do people call you?'.
Change 'σε' to 'τον': 'Πώς τον λένε;'.
If the waiter is young and the place is casual, yes. If it's a fancy restaurant, use 'Πώς σας λένε;'.
You can say 'Με λένε [Name], αλλά μπορείς να με λες [Nickname]'.
Usually, you don't use the article after 'Με λένε'. Just say 'Με λένε Γιώργο'.
Yes, though you might also hear 'Πώς σε λαλούν;' in villages.
'Λένε' is casual; 'ονομάζεσαι' is formal and often used in paperwork.
No, for objects we ask 'Πώς το λένε αυτό;' (How do they call this?).
Ask 'Ποιο είναι το επίθετό σου;'.
Greek culture is very social; knowing a name is the first step to 'filoxenia' (hospitality).
In writing, 'Πώς' (how) always takes an accent to distinguish it from 'πως' (that).
Frases relacionadas
Πώς σας λένε;
specialized formWhat is your name? (Formal/Plural)
Με λένε...
builds onMy name is...
Χαίρω πολύ
similarNice to meet you
Πώς ονομάζεσαι;
synonymWhat are you named?
Πώς σε φωνάζουν;
specialized formWhat do they call you?
Από πού είσαι;
similarWhere are you from?
