nombrarse

Nombrarse is a Spanish pronominal verb that means to name or designate oneself, to assign oneself a name, title, or role, or to identify oneself with a particular identity. It is used when the designation comes from the subject itself, rather than from another person or an authority.

The term contrasts with nombrar, which generally means to name, mention, or appoint someone else. Nombrarse often appears in contexts involving self-designation or self-appointment, such as a person declaring themselves a spokesperson, leader, or candidate. It can also be used in more formal or organizational settings where someone takes on a role by self-designation. A closely related verb is autodenominarse, which emphasizes the act of calling oneself by a particular name or title.

Conjugation notes: Nombrarse behaves as a regular -ar verb with reflexive pronouns. Common forms include me nombro, te nombras, se nombra, nos nombramos, os nombráis, se nombran in the present indicative; me nombré, te nombraste, se nombró, nos nombramos, os nombrasteis, se nombraron in the preterite; me nombraba, te nombrabas, se nombraba, nos nombrábamos, os nombrabais, se nombraban in the imperfect; and me nombre, te nombres, se nombre, nos nombremos, os nombren, se nombren in the present subjunctive.

Examples:

- En la asamblea, Juan se nombró portavoz del grupo.

- Ella se nombró a sí misma presidenta provisional.

- El cargo fue otorgado por la votación, no por auto-nombramiento.

See also: nombrar, autodenominarse, presentarse.