ονομάζομαι
Lemma: ονομάζομαι
Translation: to be called; to be named; to call oneself (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ὀνομάζω (onomázō, "to name, call by name"), derived from ὄνομα (ónoma, "name"). The Modern Greek form ονομάζομαι is the passive/middle voice form, indicating the action is happening to the subject. The root is connected to English words like 'onomatopoeia' and 'nomenclature', all stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₃nómn̥ (name).
Mnemonics
- Think of 'onoma' (name) + 'zomai' (myself) = 'I name myself'
- Connect it to 'onomatopoeia' in English, which also relates to naming (sounds)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
This verb is commonly used in introductions and is one of the first phrases learned by students of Greek. It's used in formal and informal settings when introducing oneself or asking someone's name.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ονομάζομαι' is passive/middle voice meaning 'I am called/named', 'ονομάζω' is active voice meaning 'I call/name (something or someone)'.
This word:
Ονομάζομαι Μαρία.
My name is Maria.
Confused word:
Ονομάζω το παιδί μου Μαρία.
I name my child Maria.
Notes: The difference is in who receives the action - with ονομάζομαι, you receive the name; with ονομάζω, you give the name to someone else.
Mnemonic: Remember: -ομαι ending means 'to myself' (I am named), while -ω ending means 'to others' (I name others).
Explanation: Both mean 'to be called/named' but 'λέγομαι' is slightly more colloquial in some contexts.
Confused word:
Λέγομαι Κώστας.
I'm called Kostas.
Notes: In many everyday situations, these verbs are interchangeable.
Mnemonic: Think of 'ονομάζομαι' as more formal (like on official documents) and 'λέγομαι' as more casual.