Quel est ton nom de famille ?
To ask "what is your last name?" in French, you use Quel est ton nom de famille ?
This phrase is used to ask someone for their family name. In many contexts, such as administrative settings, a speaker might simply ask Quel est votre nom ? to imply the family name, as nom can stand alone to mean surname.
Which one should you use?
The phrase Quel est ton nom de famille ? is the informal way to ask the question. In contrast, you would use Quel est votre nom de famille ? to be formal or polite.
Did you know?
- In traditional French bureaucracy, it is common to see the family name written in all capital letters, such as Jean DUPONT, to avoid confusion with the given name.
- While famille now means 'family', its Latin ancestor familia included everyone living under one roof, including servants and slaves, not just blood relatives.
- In French, if you want to describe a person's legal identity, you might see nom and prénom used together. Prénom literally means 'first name' by adding the prefix pré meaning 'before'.
Examples in context
- Pardon, pourriez-vous me dire votre nom de famille ?Excuse me, could you tell me your last name?
- Bonjour, je suis désolé de vous déranger, mais pourrais-je connaître votre nom de famille ?Hello, I'm sorry to bother you, but could I know your last name?
- Dis-moi, quel est ton nom de famille ?Tell me, what is your last name?
- Hé, pourrais-tu me dire ton nom de famille ?Hey, could you tell me your last name?
- Excuse-moi, quel est ton nom de famille ?Excuse me, what is your last name?
- Je ne sais pas, quel est ton nom de famille ?I don't know, what is your last name?
Example conversation
Two students are filling out an registration form at school.
- NathanSalut, quel est ton nom de famille ?Hi, what is your last name?
- EmmaC'est Martin. Et toi ?It is Martin. And you?
- NathanMoi, c'est Dubois.Me, it is Dubois.
- EmmaEnchantée, Nathan.Nice to meet you, Nathan.
