Welcome to this helpful guide on how to say “Who is that?” in Chinese! Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an intermediate learner wanting to enhance your conversational skills, this guide will provide you with various formal and informal ways to ask this question. We will also explore a few regional variations if necessary. So, let’s delve into the world of Mandarin Chinese and discover the different ways to express this common query.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask “Who is That?”
When it comes to formal contexts, it’s important to use polite language. In Mandarin Chinese, you can ask “Who is that?” formally in a few ways:
1. “Nǎ wèi shì rén?” (哪位是人?)
This is a common and polite phrase to ask about someone’s identity. It literally translates to “Which person is it?” By using “nǎ wèi” instead of “shéi” (who), you convey a respectful tone. You can use this question when meeting someone for the first time or in a formal setting.
2. “Qǐngwèn, nǐ kěyǐ gāosù wǒ zhè shì shéi ma?” (请问，你可以告诉我这是谁吗?)
In more formal situations, you can choose to be more explicit by saying, “Excuse me, can you tell me who this is?” This phrase is ideal when seeking information about the identity of a person present in a gathering or event.
Informal Ways to Ask “Who is That?”
Informal language is commonly used among friends, peers, or in casual encounters. Here are a couple of ways to ask “Who is that?” informally:
1. “Nà shì shéi?” (那是谁?)
When you are in a relaxed environment, you can simply ask “Nà shì shéi?” which means, “Who is that?” This casual phrase is perfect for day-to-day conversations with friends and acquaintances.
2. “Tā shì shéi?” (他是谁?)
If the person you are referring to is male, you can ask, “Tā shì shéi?” which translates to “Who is he?” Similarly, you can adjust the pronouns depending on the gender of the person you are inquiring about. For example, “Tā shì shéi?” (她是谁?) for a female or “Tāmen shì shéi?” (他们是谁?) for a group of people.
Additional Tips and Examples:
Tips:
- Listen carefully to the pronunciation of these phrases to ensure accuracy when speaking.
- Pay attention to the context and adjust your language accordingly.
- Practice speaking these phrases with Mandarin speakers to improve your pronunciation and fluency.
Examples:
Imagine you are at a friend’s party and see someone you don’t recognize. You can use the following phrases to ask about their identity:
Formal: “Nǎ wèi shì rén?” (哪位是人?)
Informal: “Nà shì shéi?” (那是谁?)
Remember to use the appropriate phrase based on the situation and the level of formality required. Adapting your language to the circumstances not only shows respect but also helps build stronger connections with native Chinese speakers.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to say “Who is that?” in Chinese formally and informally, as well as a few additional tips and examples, you can confidently communicate in various everyday scenarios. Embrace the language, enjoy your learning journey, and have fun exploring Mandarin Chinese!
