¿Cuál es tu apellido?
To ask "what is your last name?" in Spanish, you say ¿Cuál es tu apellido?
This phrase is used to request a person's family name. When answering this question, be aware that in many Spanish-speaking cultures, people have two surnames (paternal and maternal), so a person might provide two names in response.
Which one should you use?
Be careful not to confuse apellido (last name) with nombre (first name).
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to someone in a formal context or to someone you do not know well, use the form ¿Cuál es su apellido? instead of ¿Cuál es tu apellido?
Did you know?
- In some regions, it is common to hear ¿De qué familia es usted? as a more indirect or traditional way of asking for a person's surname.
- The word cuál comes from the Latin word 'qualis', which originally meant 'of what kind' or 'of what sort'.
- While nombre means 'name', in a legal or official context it often refers specifically to the 'given name' to distinguish it from the apellido.
Examples in context
- Mi apellido es García.My last name is García.
- Mi apellido paterno es López.My paternal surname is López.
- No recuerdo, ¿cuál es tu apellido?I don't remember, what is your last name?
- Para el registro, ¿cuál es tu apellido?For the registry, what is your last name?
Example conversation
Elena is filling out a form for a new student and needs Alejandro's information.
- ElenaHola Alejandro, ¿cuál es tu apellido?Hello Alejandro, what is your last name?
- AlejandroMi apellido es García.My last name is Garcia.
- ElenaGracias, ahora lo tengo.Thank you, I have it now.
- AlejandroDe nada, Elena.You're welcome, Elena.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apellido, cuál, es, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
