당신의 이름은
dangsin-ui ireum-eun
The Korean phrase for "your name is" is 당신의 이름은 (dangsin-ui ireum-eun).
This phrase is used to state or ask for the name of the person being spoken to.
How do you pronounce it?
dangsin-ui ireum-eun
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use 당신의 이름은 to mean "your name is", but in Korean, using the pronoun 당신 (dangsin) to mean "you" can sound confrontational or overly formal/distant depending on the context.
Did you know?
- The word 당신 (dangsin) is commonly used between married couples as a term of endearment, similar to 'honey' or 'dear'.
- In very formal settings, you might hear 성함이 어떻게 되세요?, which literally asks 'How does your name become?', rather than 'What is your name?'
- In highly formal situations, such as business meetings, people use a specific honorific version of the word 'name' called 성함 (seongham). Using the standard 이름 (ireum) in these settings can make you seem uneducated or impolite.
Example conversation
Two strangers meet at a formal networking event.
- 서연 Seo-yeon처음 뵙겠습니다. 당신의 이름은 무엇입니까?cheoeum boepgetseumnida. dangsin-ui ireum-eun mueos-imnikka?Nice to meet you. What is your name?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제 이름은 현우입니다.je ireum-eun hyeonu-imnida.My name is Hyunwoo.
- 서연 Seo-yeon반가워요, 현우 씨.bangawo-yo, hyeonu ssi.Nice to meet you, Mr. Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저도 반갑습니다.jeodo bangapsumnida.Nice to meet you too.
