What does it mean word for word?
The part 你叫什么名字？ (nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?) literally means "You are called what name?", where 叫 (jiào) means "to be called".
Which one should you use?
While 你叫什么名字？ is a standard way to ask for a name, the phrase 您贵姓？ (nín guì xìng?) is a more formal and polite way to ask for someone's surname in professional or respectful social settings. Another highly respectful way to inquire about a full name is 您好，我想请问您的大名, which translates to "Hello, may I kindly inquire about your full name?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the greeting more respectful, especially when addressing elders or superiors, replace 你 (nǐ) with 您 (nín).
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ hǎo, nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid shortening the phrase to 你叫什么？ (nǐ jiào shénme?), as this can sound abrupt or even rude if the 名字 (míngzì – name) part is omitted in a formal context.
When do people say it?
A common way to respond to this question is by using the pattern 我叫 [Name] (wǒ jiào…).
Did you know?
- When asking for a name formally, you might use the word 贵 (guì), which literally means 'expensive' or 'noble', to show respect to the other person's surname.
- In very formal introductions, it is common to refer to oneself using 在下 (zàixià), which means 'the one below'. This shows humility by placing oneself physically lower than the listener.
- Depending on the region, people may answer 你叫什么名字？ by giving a nickname or a 'milk name' 乳名 (rǔmíng), which is a childhood name used only by close family and friends.
Examples in context
- 你好，你叫什么名字？很高兴认识你。Nǐ hǎo, nǐ jiào shénme míngzi? Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ.Hello, what's your name? Nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Two students meeting for the first time in a classroom.
- 俊杰 Junjie你好，你叫什么名字？Nǐ hǎo, nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?Hello, what's your name?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我叫晓雯，你呢？Wǒ jiào Xiǎowén, nǐ ne?My name is Xiaowen, and you?
- 俊杰 Junjie我叫俊杰。Wǒ jiào Jùnjié.My name is Junjie.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen很高兴认识你，俊杰。Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ, Jùnjié.Nice to meet you, Junjie.
