What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 이름 (name), the subject marker 이 and 뭐예요? (what is it?).
Which one should you use?
While 이름이 뭐예요? is standard polite Korean, it is not the most formal way to ask. The preferred honorific version is 성함이 어떻게 되세요?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more respectful approach, use 성함이 어떻게 되세요? when speaking to elders, superiors or in formal business settings. Conversely, you may use the informal 이름이 뭐야? in casual settings. The word for name changes based on this level of respect: 성함 is used in respectful contexts, while 이름 is used in informal ones.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 이 is attached to 이름 because 이름 ends in a consonant.
How do you pronounce it?
ireumi mwoyeyo?
When do people say it?
In Korea, asking someone's name directly with 이름이 뭐예요? can feel slightly blunt or overly direct if the person is significantly older than you.
Did you know?
- While 뭐예요? means 'what is it?', the formal version 어떻게 되세요? literally translates to 'how does it become?', reflecting a cultural preference for indirectness.
- When answering the question, Koreans often state their surname first, as the family lineage is traditionally considered more important than the individual given name.
- In highly formal Korean, you might use the phrase 존함 instead of 성함 when referring to someone of extremely high prestige, such as a royal or a high-ranking official.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요? 성함이 어떻게 되세요?Hello? What is your name?
- 안녕하세요. 저는 민지예요.Hello. I am Minji.
- 안녕! 이름이 뭐야?Hi! What is your name?
- 안녕! 나는 사라야.Hi! I am Sara.
- 이름이 뭐예요?ireumi mwoyeyo?What is your name?
- 실례지만, 이름이 뭐예요?sillyejiman, ireumi mwoyeyo?Excuse me, but what is your name?
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are meeting for the first time at a language exchange meetup.
- 수빈 Su-bin안녕하세요, 이름이 뭐예요?annyeonghaseyo, ireumi mwoyeyo?Hello, what is your name?
- 민준 Min-jun저는 민준이에요.jeoneun minjun-ieyo.I am Minjun.
- 수빈 Su-bin반가워요, 민준 씨.bangawoyo, minjun ssi.Nice to meet you, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨도 반가워요.subin ssi do bangawoyo.Nice to meet you too, Subin.
