Why do they call me by middle name in Spain? скачать в хорошем качестве

Why do they call me by middle name in Spain?

[00:00:08] The Doctor’s Waiting Room: Foreigners with middle names are often called by that middle name in Spanish offices. [00:00:25] The Double Surname System: Spaniards have two surnames: one from the father and one from the mother. [00:00:39] Middle Name Confusion: If you are "Mary Ann McKenzie," a Spaniard assumes "Ann" is your first (paternal) surname and "McKenzie" is your second (maternal) surname. [00:01:00] Filling in Forms: James advises putting your full first name in the nombre field and your surname in the first surname field, leaving the second surname blank. [00:01:34] Marriage and Children: In Spain, you don't change your name when married. Children receive both parents' first surnames. "Have you noticed that a lot of you who have middle floating names—if your name is Mary Ann McKenzie—have you noticed that when you're at the doctors, they come out and they call out Señora Ann? Señora Ann, and no one responds, and you're thinking, " Who is Señora Ann? Well, it's you. Why is this? Well, because all Spanish people have two surnames. You receive one of the surnames from your father and one of the surnames from your mother. The one that's always counted as the most important one is the father's surname. If Mary Ann McKenzie were Spanish, she would have received the Ann from her father and the McKenzie from her mother, and that's why they would call her out by Señora Ann. This is why you need to remember when you're filling in a form in Spain: on the part that says 'nombre' (first name), put Mary Ann; on your first surname, put McKenzie; and where it says second surname, leave it blank. In Spain, when you get married, you don't change your name, but your children do receive both surnames. My children are Isabella Bretherton Sander and Alessandro Bretherton Sander—Bretherton being my surname (the important one) and Sander being my wife's surname. Because names change every generation, it's very difficult in Spain to chase your family tree." James Spanish School: Speak Real Castellano Ready to stop being a perpetual tourist and start speaking the Spanish that people actually use? James Spanish School is the specialised online system for English-speaking expats who are serious about mastering Castellano. Developed over 25 years of face-to-face instruction in the heart of the community, this method is designed to get you speaking with confidence and clarity. I provide the linguistic tools you need to bypass the frustration of the expat bubble and navigate daily life using the language as it is actually spoken in Spain. If you are tired of textbook Spanish that nobody uses in the street, it is time for a different approach. Join the hundreds of students who have already moved beyond basic phrases to achieve real fluency. Start your journey to speaking authentic Castellano today at: https://jamesspanishschool.com LEGAL DISCLAIMER The content provided by James Spanish School is for educational and informational purposes only, focusing on the instruction of the Castellano language. No Professional Advice: We do not provide legal, financial, tax, or residency advice. The information shared is of a general nature and should not be used as a substitute for professional counsel. Consult a Professional: For specific administrative, financial, or legal matters regarding your life in Spain, always consult a qualified professional, such as a registered solicitor (Abogado) or administrative agent (Gestor). No Liability: James Spanish School accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken or decisions made based on the information provided in this video. Copyright © 2026 James Spanish School. All Rights Reserved.