What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase Siapa nama anda?, siapa means "who", nama means "name" and anda means "you".
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to ask this depending on the relationship between speakers. Siapa nama anda? is a standard formal version. Apa nama awak? is an informal way to ask, while Nama kau siapa? is also informal. For a more polite approach when addressing a man, you can use Siapa nama encik? and when addressing a woman, use Siapa nama puan? Another formal option is Boleh saya tahu nama anda?, which means "Can I know your name?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The choice of pronoun and address determines the level of formality. Siapa nama anda? uses the polite pronoun anda and is suitable for formal situations. In casual settings among peers, you can use Siapa nama awak? or the even more informal Nama kau siapa?, which uses the pronoun kau. To be particularly polite to a man in a formal setting, use encik (Sir) or to a woman, use puan (Madam).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Malay, the question "What is your name?" is structured literally as "Who is your name?"
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsiapə ˈnamə ˈanda/
Did you know?
- The polite pronoun anda is a relatively modern invention, coined in 1957 by a writer named Sabirin.
Examples in context
- Siapa nama anda?What is your name?
- Nama saya Amir.My name is Amir.
- Maaf, siapa nama anda?Excuse me, what is your name?
- Boleh saya tahu siapa nama anda?May I know what your name is?
Example conversation
Two strangers meeting at a community event.
- MuhammadHai, siapa nama anda?Hi, what is your name?
- FarahNama saya Farah. Nama anda?My name is Farah. Your name?
- MuhammadSaya Muhammad. Selamat berkenalan.I am Muhammad. Nice to meet you.
- FarahSelamat berkenalan juga, Muhammad.Nice to meet you too, Muhammad.
