Language/Basque/Vocabulary/Introducing-Yourself
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, you will learn how to introduce yourself, ask for someone's name, and share basic personal information in Basque. Introductions are an essential part of communication, allowing people to establish connections and build relationships. By mastering the vocabulary and phrases related to introducing yourself, you will be able to confidently engage in conversations and make a positive impression on others.
This lesson is part of the "Complete 0 to A1 Basque Course" and is designed for complete beginners. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in introducing yourself in Basque and be able to apply this knowledge in real-life situations.
Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Let's start by learning some important vocabulary related to introducing yourself in Basque. Familiarize yourself with the following words and phrases:
Greetings[edit | edit source]
Basque people are known for their warm and friendly greetings. Here are some common greetings you can use when meeting someone for the first time:
| Basque | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Kaixo | /ka-i-cho/ | Hello |
| Egun on | /e-gun on/ | Good morning |
| Arratsaldeon | /a-rra-tsa-lde-on/ | Good afternoon |
| Gabon | /ga-bon/ | Good evening |
Introducing Yourself[edit | edit source]
When introducing yourself, it is customary to start with your name. Here's how you can say "My name is" in Basque:
| Basque | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Nire izena da | /ni-re i-ze-na da/ | My name is |
To introduce yourself, simply replace "izena" with your name. For example:
| Basque | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Nire izena da Ander | /ni-re i-ze-na da an-der/ | My name is Ander |
After introducing yourself, it's common to ask for the other person's name. Use the phrase "Zure izena zer da?" which means "What is your name?"
| Basque | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Zure izena zer da? | /zu-re i-ze-na zer da/ | What is your name? |
To respond to this question, you can say "Ni Ander naiz" which means "I am Ander" or simply state your name.
| Basque | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ni Ander naiz | /ni an-der naiz/ | I am Ander |
Basic Personal Information[edit | edit source]
When getting to know someone, it's common to share basic personal information. Here are some phrases you can use to talk about your age, nationality, and occupation:
| Basque | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Nire adina | /ni-re a-di-na/ | My age is |
| Nire herrialdea | /ni-re her-rial-de-a/ | My nationality is |
| Nire lanbidea | /ni-re lan-bi-de-a/ | My occupation is |
For example, you can say "Nire adina 30 da" which means "My age is 30" or "Nire herrialdea Estatu Batuak da" which means "My nationality is United States".
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
Basque culture places great importance on personal connections and showing respect to others. When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to greet them with a warm smile and a handshake.
Basque names often have deep cultural and historical significance. Many Basque names are derived from nature, such as Ainhoa (a type of flower) or Aitor (meaning "the father of the Basque people"). Names are seen as an important part of a person's identity and are often passed down through generations.
In Basque society, it is common to address people by their first name rather than using formal titles, especially among friends and peers. However, when meeting someone for the first time or in a formal setting, it is appropriate to use the person's full name until given permission to use their first name.
Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now it's time to practice what you've learned. Complete the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of introducing yourself in Basque.
Exercise 1: Translate the following greetings and introductions from Basque to English.
1. Kaixo 2. Egun on 3. Gabon 4. Nire izena da 5. Zure izena zer da?
Exercise 1 Solution:
1. Hello 2. Good morning 3. Good evening 4. My name is 5. What is your name?
Exercise 2: Introduce yourself using the phrases you've learned. Include your name, age, nationality, and occupation.
Exercise 2 Solution:
Nire izena da Ander. Nire adina 30 da. Nire herrialdea Estatu Batuak da. Nire lanbidea irakaslea da.
(My name is Ander. My age is 30. My nationality is United States. My occupation is teacher.)
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to introduce yourself, ask for someone's name, and share basic personal information in Basque. These skills are essential for effective communication and will help you build connections with others in the Basque-speaking community.
In the next lesson, we will explore nouns and articles in Basque, learning how to use definite and indefinite articles with singular and plural nouns. Keep up the great work!
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Basque Phrases & More: An Introduction to Europe's Most ...
- The Basque Language: A Practical Introduction (The Basque Series ...
- Basque/Introduction - Wikibooks, open books for an open world
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Common Greetings
- Directions
- Weather
- Dinner Table
- Days of the week
- House
- Clothes
- Count to 10
- Transportation
- Days of the Week
| ◀️ Common Greetings — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Definite and Indefinite Articles ▶️ |