How to Say “What Is Your Name” in Chinese? Beginner Guide with Pinyin

The phrase “What is your name” in Chinese primarily refers to 你叫什么名字 (Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì), which directly translates to “You are called what name?” This is the most common, neutral way for beginners to ask someone’s name in Mandarin and works in schools, travel, or everyday meetings. Beyond the basic question, Chinese name culture also involves family-name order and polite alternatives that show respect.

🎧 Click to hear the pronunciation: 你叫什么名字 (Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì)

What Is “What Is Your Name” in Chinese?

“What is your name” in Chinese is most frequently expressed as 你叫什么名字 (Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì).

• 你 (nǐ) = you
• 叫 (jiào) = to be called
• 什么 (shénme) = what
• 名字 (míngzì) = name

This HSK 1 phrase is widely taught as the standard beginner form and remains the default in both casual and semi-formal settings.

A shorter casual version is 你叫什么 (Nǐ jiào shénme), literally “You are called what?” Native speakers use it among peers or in relaxed conversations.

🎧 Click to hear the pronunciation: 你叫什么 (Nǐ jiào shénme)

How to Answer “My Name Is” in Chinese

To reply to “What is your name” in Chinese, say 我叫 + your name (Wǒ jiào + name).

• 我 (wǒ) = I
• 叫 (jiào) = to be called

🎧 Click to hear the pronunciation: 我叫 (Wǒ jiào)

Examples:

• 我叫大卫 (Wǒ jiào Dàwèi). → My name is David.
• 我叫安娜 (Wǒ jiào Ānnà). → My name is Anna.
• 我叫玛丽 (Wǒ jiào Mǎlì). → My name is Mary.

If you have a Chinese name, use that instead. Many learners receive phonetic names (David → 大卫 Dàwèi) or meaning-based names (Grace → 恩惠 Ēnhuì, “kindness/favor”). Teachers often help select names that sound natural to native speakers.

How to Ask for a Surname Politely in Chinese

When formality or respect is needed, Chinese speakers often ask only for the family name. The standard polite form is 您贵姓 (Nín guìxìng), which means “What is your honorable surname?”

• 您 (nín) = polite “you”
• 贵 (guì) = honorable
• 姓 (xìng) = surname

🎧 Click to hear the pronunciation: 您贵姓 (Nín guìxìng)

A common reply is 我姓 + surname (Wǒ xìng + surname), or the modest 免贵，姓 + surname (Miǎn guì, xìng + surname), meaning “No need for the honorific, my surname is…”

🎧 Click to hear the pronunciation: 我姓(Wǒ xìng)

Other respectful options include:

• 请问您怎么称呼 (Qǐngwèn nín zěnme chēnghu) → “May I ask how I should address you?”
• 请问您贵姓 (Qǐngwèn nín guìxìng) → a fuller polite version.

These forms are preferred with elders, teachers, or in business contexts.

Chinese Name Order and Cultural Tips

In Chinese naming convention, the family name comes first, followed by the given name. Example: 李华 (Lǐ Huá) — 李 (Lǐ) is the family name, 华 (Huá) is the given name. This differs from English name order and is important for correct address.

After exchanging names, it is natural to add 很高兴认识你 (Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ), meaning “Nice to meet you.” Correct tones matter: the third-tone 我 (wǒ) and fourth-tone 叫 (jiào) help listeners understand clearly. Practice with a native speaker or structured lessons improves accuracy quickly.

🎧 Click to hear the pronunciation: 很高兴认识你 (Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ)

Real-Life Usage Examples for “What Is Your Name” in Chinese

These patterns appear in schools, online classes, travel introductions, and language exchanges.

Common Related Phrases and Easy Confusions

Learners sometimes mix 叫 (jiào, “to be called”) with 姓 (xìng, “surname”) or use overly formal language with peers. 你叫什么名字 is neutral and safe for most beginners; 您贵姓 is better reserved for respect situations. The phrase itself carries no offensive meaning and is everyday vocabulary.

Related useful expressions include:

• 你呢 (Nǐ ne?) → And you?
• 我的中文名字是 (Wǒ de zhōngwén míngzì shì) → My Chinese name is…
• 你可以叫我 (Nǐ kěyǐ jiào wǒ) → You can call me…

FAQ About “What Is Your Name” in Chinese

Does “你叫什么名字” sound rude?

No. It is the standard neutral beginner phrase used by children, students, and adults in everyday situations. Polite alternatives exist only for higher-formality contexts.

Is there a difference between asking for full name and surname?

Yes. 你叫什么名字 usually seeks the full or given name; 您贵姓 specifically and respectfully asks only for the family name, reflecting Chinese cultural emphasis on surnames.

Can I just use my English name?

Yes. Many Chinese speakers accept English names, especially in international or classroom settings. Phonetic Chinese versions (e.g., David → 大卫) are also common and appreciated.

Is the phrase still the same in 2025–2026?

Yes. Recent language resources and teaching materials continue to list 你叫什么名字 (Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì) as the primary form, with the same casual and polite variants.

Conclusion

“What is your name” in Chinese is expressed as 你叫什么名字 (Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì), literally “You are called what name?” Answering with 我叫 + name, understanding family-name-first order, and knowing polite forms such as 您贵姓 give beginners a complete, culturally appropriate introduction toolkit. Mastering these short phrases builds confidence for real conversations in class, travel, or online learning.

To practice introductions with native teachers and receive guidance on choosing a Chinese name, explore age-appropriate lessons at WuKong Chinese.

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Mao Ying | WuKong Chinese Teacher

Master’s degree in International Chinese Education from Peking University. Dedicated to the field of Chinese language education, with 7 years of experience as an international Chinese language teacher.