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How to Say ‘What is the name of’ in French

Comment s'appelle

koh-mahn s ah-pehl

[koh-mahn s ah-pehl]

💬 Usage Tip: [S'] only appears joined to the next word, as in [s'appelle]. Never alone.

Phrase Breakdown

Comment

[koh-mahn]

How

Used to ask in what way or manner.

Example

Comment s'appelle ton chien?

What is your dog's name?

s'

[s]

reflexive pronoun

Indicates the subject is also the object.

Example

Comment s'appelle-t-elle?

What is her name?

appelle

[ah-pehl]

is called

Refers to the name of someone or something.

Example

Comment s'appelle cet endroit?

What is this place called?

Related guides

French Conversation for Beginners: 5 Everyday Dialogues You'll Actually UseFive short French conversations for beginners, from greeting a neighbour to booking a restaurant, with translations, native audio and the phrases that keep them going.The Best App to Learn French: An Honest ComparisonDuolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur, Busuu, italki and PrettyFluent compared for learning French: what each is best at, how you pay, and which fits your goal.

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