When visiting Japan or interacting with Japanese speakers, it’s always useful to know how to ask for someone’s phone number. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “What is your phone number?” in both formal and informal ways. Additionally, we’ll provide tips, examples, and cover regional variations, if necessary.
Formal Ways to Ask for Someone’s Phone Number
In formal situations, such as when talking to strangers, colleagues, or people older than you, it’s important to use polite language. Here are two formal ways to ask for someone’s phone number:
- Phrase: 電話番号は何番ですか。
Pronunciation: Denwa bangō wa nan ban desu ka.
Translation: What is your phone number?
Example Conversation:
A: お仕事の連絡先を教えていただけませんか。
(Oshigoto no renrakusaki o oshiete itadakemasen ka.)
B: もちろんです。電話番号は何番ですか。
(Mochiron desu. Denwa bangō wa nan ban desu ka.)
A: 090-1234-5678 です。
(090-1234-5678 desu.) - Phrase: ご電話番号は？
Pronunciation: Go-denwa bangō wa?
Translation: May I have your phone number?
Example Conversation:
A: お願いできませんか？ご電話番号は？
(Onegai dekimasen ka? Go-denwa bangō wa?)
B: はい、もちろんです。090-9876-5432 です。
(Hai, mochiron desu. 090-9876-5432 desu.)
Informal Ways to Ask for Someone’s Phone Number
When speaking with friends, family members, or people younger than you, it’s appropriate to use more casual language. Here are two informal ways to ask for someone’s phone number:
- Phrase: 電話番号教えて。
Pronunciation: Denwa bangō oshiete.
Translation: Tell me your phone number.
Example Conversation:
A: 最近は元気？あ、それともう一つ、電話番号教えて。
(Saikin wa genki? A, soretomo hitotsu, denwa bangō oshiete.)
B: うん、元気。090-1111-2222 だよ。
(Un, genki. 090-1111-2222 da yo.) - Phrase: 電話番号は何？
Pronunciation: Denwa bangō wa nani?
Translation: What’s your phone number?
Example Conversation:
A: 遊びに行くから、電話番号は何？
(Asobi ni iku kara, denwa bangō wa nani?)
B: 分かった。090-5555-6666 だよ。
(Wakatta. 090-5555-6666 da yo.)
Tips and Usage Notes
Here are some tips and usage notes to keep in mind when asking for someone’s phone number in Japanese:
- It is common in Japan to exchange business cards instead of asking for phone numbers directly in formal situations.
- When asking for a phone number, it’s polite to provide your own phone number first.
- In Japan, phone numbers are typically pronounced digit by digit, for example, “zero, nine, zero” instead of “oh, nine, oh.”
- If someone asks for your phone number in Japan, it’s best to provide it in a similar digit-by-digit manner.
Remember that politeness is highly valued in Japanese culture, so it’s essential to use appropriate language based on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the person you are speaking to.
Now armed with the knowledge of how to ask for someone’s phone number in Japanese politely and casually, you can comfortably engage in conversations and exchange contact information the next time you find yourself in Japan or talking with native Japanese speakers.
