How to Say "Who Are You?" in Spanish

¿quién es usted?

The English phrase "who are you?" can be translated into Spanish as ¿quién es usted?

This phrase is used to ask for a person's identity. Depending on the context, you can use more polite variations like Disculpe, ¿puede decirme quién es? to ask someone to identify themselves.

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, quién es usted translates to "who is you" (formal). This is because the phrase uses the third-person singular verb form to express the formal second-person usted.

Which one should you use?

While ¿quién es usted? is the formal version, you should use ¿quién eres tú? or ¿quién eres? when speaking to someone your own age or someone you know well.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

¿quién es usted? is a formal and respectful way to ask for someone's identity, making it suitable for use with strangers or elders. In contrast, ¿Quién eres? is the informal version. For a more casual or playful tone among friends, you might use the expression Oye, ¿tú quién eres?

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Argentina and Uruguay, the informal form ¿Quién sos? is used to ask "who are you?"

Did you know?

The formal word usted is a shortened version of vuestra merced, which means 'your mercy' or 'your grace'.

Examples in context

No la conozco, ¿quién es usted?
I don't know you, who are you?

Example conversation

Daniel is meeting a woman at a formal business reception.

Daniel

Perdone, ¿quién es usted?
Excuse me, who are you?
Elena

Soy Elena, la nueva directora.
I am Elena, the new director.
Daniel

Mucho gusto, Elena. Soy Daniel.
Nice to meet you, Elena. I am Daniel.
Elena

Encantada de conocerlo, Daniel.
Delighted to meet you, Daniel.

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, quién, usted, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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How to Say “Who Are You?” in Spanish