How to introduce yourself in Italian? Depending on the context, Italians introduce themselves by saying simply their first name or saying their first name and last name. For example, if you’re at a party, or among a group of young people, it’s okay to just say your first name.
Learning how to make proper introductions in Italian can help you get off to a good start. The Italian language is slightly more formal than American English. As a result, introductions in Italian follow a more consistent pattern than they do in the United States. Don’t worry, it’s not difficult — it’s just good manners.
Tips on how to introduce yourself in Italian
First impressions are important — they can start a friendship or set the tone for your interaction with someone.
Start with a greeting.
The simplest greeting is Ciao or Buongiorno, which means Hello or Good Day.
To know more about greeting in Italian see our post basic words when greeting
The two most common ways to introduce are to say Mi chiamo Name (My name is Name) or Sono Name (I’m Name).
Basic phrases to introduce yourself in Italian:
- Piacere = Nice to meet you
- Mi chiamo Marco = My name is Marco
- Ho 33 anni = I am 33 years old
Since you are meeting the person for the first time, you should use the more formal form of you.
Use the formal Lei (singular you) when speaking to people you don’t know well; in situations such as in stores, restaurants, hotels, or pharmacies); and with professors, older people, and your friends’ parents. Save the informal tu (singular you) and voi (plural you) for friends, relatives, younger people, and people you know well.
The formal Loro (plural you) is rarely used and is gradually being replaced by the informal voi when addressing a group of people:
Come ti/si chiami? (What’s your name? [Informal])
Lei come si chiama? (What’s your name? [Formal])
After they tell you their name you should express pleasure. For example.
Piacere! (Nice to meet you!)
Piacere di conoscerla (Pleased to meet you.)
How to Introduce other people in italian
The second most common type of introduction is to introduce someone else, such as your spouse, child, or friend. The following phrases are typical of introducing someone else.
To introduce people in Italian you can use the expressions below.
- Formal situation
Le presento Carlo Rossi – Let me introduce Carlo Rossi.
Le presento la signora Magnani – Let me introduce Mrs Magnani.
Le presento il signor Bianchi – Let me introduce Mr Bianchi.
NOTE:
You use “Le presento + name of the person” but you use “Le presento + article (IL if you are introducing a male, LA if you are introducing a female) + Mr or Mrs or Miss … “
- Informal situation
Questo é Carlo – This is Carlo.
Questa é Maria – This is Maria.
Lui è James – He is James.
Lei è Jane – She is Jane.
NOTE:
You use questo when introducing a male, and questa when introducing a female. You can just motion to each person as you say their name.
After learning how to introduce yourself in Italian, you can now learn how to ask questions to someone you meet for the first time.
