我叫李明。

Just place your name right after the phrase. If your name is David, say 我叫 David. In China, people usually say their full name (family name first). It feels complete and balanced. You do not need any extra words or fancy grammar. Just 'I', 'called', and then your name. It is like a verbal handshake.

Use it whenever you meet someone for the first time. Use it at a party when someone approaches you. Use it when you are checking into a hotel. It works perfectly when you are introduced by a friend. It is also great for ordering coffee if they need a name. It is the universal 'hello' for your identity.

Do not use it with people who already know you. That would be very awkward and confusing. Avoid using it in extremely high-stakes, hyper-formal ceremonies. In those cases, a more formal 'My name is' might be used. Also, do not use it to refer to others. This specific phrase is just for you. If you are shouting your name across a canyon, maybe just shout the name!

Chinese names have deep meanings and history. Usually, the surname comes first, followed by the given name. 李 (Lǐ) is one of the most common surnames in the world. 明 (Míng) means bright or clear. By saying 我叫李明, you are presenting your family legacy first. It shows respect for your roots. It is a small window into Chinese social structure.

If you want to sound a bit more formal, use 我的名字是 (wǒ de míng zi shì). This means 'My name is.' If you are feeling very humble in a business meeting, use 免贵姓... (miǎn guì xìng). But for 95% of your life, 我叫 is your best friend. You can also just say your name if you're in a rush. But 我叫 adds a nice touch of politeness.