Learn Swedish: Hej! Jag heter Sara. - Hello! My name is Sara.

In Swedish, the most natural way to introduce yourself is to use the verb heter, which means "to be called". So Jag heter Sara translates literally to "I am called Sara". You could technically say Mitt namn är Sara, but that sounds quite stiff and formal to a native speaker.

How is the word jag actually pronounced here?

In spoken Swedish, the "g" in jag is almost always dropped. It sounds like "ya". You will usually only hear the "g" pronounced clearly in very formal speeches or sometimes in songs.

Can I use hej to greet anyone, or is it only for casual situations with friends?

You can use hej with absolutely anyone! Swedish is a very informal language, so hej works perfectly whether you are talking to a close friend, a cashier at the grocery store, or your boss at work.

If I want to say "Her name is" or "His name is", does the verb heter change?

No, it stays exactly the same! One of the easiest things about Swedish grammar is that verbs do not change depending on who is doing the action. It is jag heter (I am called), hon heter (she is called), and vi heter (we are called).