How to Say ‘Your name’ in Simplified Chinese
你叫什么名字？
nǐ jiào shén me míng zì
[Nǐ Jiào Shénme Míngzì]
💬 Usage Tip: [叫什么名字] is the common pattern for asking someone's name: literally "are called what name." You can swap the subject: [他叫什么名字？] means "What's his name?"
🇨🇳 In China: This is normal in first meetings, but with older or senior people, asking a full name right away can feel a bit direct unless the situation clearly calls for introductions.
Phrase Breakdown
你
nǐ
[Nǐ]
you
Refers to the person being spoken to.
你叫什么名字？
What is your name?
叫
jiào
[Jiào]
to be called
Asks someone's name.
你叫什么？
What are you called?
什么
shén me
[Shénme]
what
Asks for information.
这是什么？
What is this?
名字
míng zì
[Míngzì]
name
Word indicating a person's name.
你的名字是什么？
What is your name?
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