Как тебя зовут?
Kak tebya zovut?
Как тебя зовут? (Kak tebya zovut?) is the Russian phrase for "what is your name?"
This phrase is a question used to ask someone for their name in an informal setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "How [do] they call you?" The word тебя is the accusative case of ты (you), used here because the verb зовут (they call) requires a direct object.
Which one should you use?
Как тебя зовут? is the informal version of the question. For a formal version, use Как вас зовут?
How does it change in a sentence?
The standard way to respond to this question is using the phrase Меня зовут… followed by your name.
How do you pronounce it?
Kak tebya zovut?
Did you know?
- In Russian culture, asking for a name often leads to a request for the отчество, a patronymic name derived from the father's first name. This middle name is essential for formal respect and is not a nickname.
- If you use the informal Как тебя зовут? with a stranger or a superior, it can be perceived as a significant social faux pas or even an insult.
- If a Russian person answers with a diminutive name like Сашенька instead of Александр, they are signaling a high level of intimacy or affection toward the speaker.
Examples in context
- Василий, как вас зовут?Vasily, what is your name?
- Извините, как вас зовут?Excuse me, what is your name?
- Катя, как тебя зовут?Katya, what is your name?
- Как тебя зовут?Kak tebya zovut?What is your name?
Example conversation
Two students meeting for the first time at a university cafe.
- Ольга OlgaПривет! Как тебя зовут?Privet! Kak tebya zovut?Hi! What is your name?
- Дмитрий DmitryМеня зовут Дмитрий. А тебя?Menya zovut Dmitriy. A tebya?My name is Dmitry. And yours?
- Ольга OlgaМеня зовут Ольга.Menya zovut Ol'ga.My name is Olga.
- Дмитрий DmitryОчень приятно, Ольга.Ochen' priyatno, Ol'ga.Nice to meet you, Olga.
