How to Ask and Answer Names in Chinese | Beginner Lesson | Easy Chinese Conversation Phrases

Asking for a Last Name

• 你姓什么？Nǐ xìng shénme?What’s your last name?

• Response:我姓 + Your Last NameExample: 我姓王。Wǒ xìng Wáng.My last name is Wang.

Formal Way to Ask for a Last Name

• 请问您贵姓？Qǐngwèn nín guì xìng?May I ask your honorable surname?

• This is a polite and formal way to ask someone’s last name.

Responding Politely

• 免贵姓 + Your Last NameExample: 免贵姓李。Miǎn guì xìng Lǐ.You don’t have to be so formal. My last name is Li.

Asking for a Full Name

• 你叫什么名字？Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?What’s your name?

• Response:我叫(Wǒ jiào) + Your Full NameExample: 我叫张伟。Wǒ jiào Zhāng Wěi.My name is Zhang Wei.

Asking How to Address Someone

• 怎么称呼您？Zěnme chēnghū nín?How should I address you?

• Response:您可以叫我(Nín kěyǐ jiào wǒ ) + Title/NameExample: 您可以叫我王先生。Nín kěyǐ jiào wǒ Wáng xiānshēng.You can call me Mr. Wang.

Casual Addressing

• 叫我 + Informal Name/TitleExample: 叫我小李吧！Jiào wǒ xiǎo Lǐ ba!Just call me Xiao Li!

The Difference Between 你 (Nǐ) and 您 (Nín)

• 你 (Nǐ) = Informal "you"Use with friends, classmates, and people your age or younger.

• 您 (Nín) = Polite "you"Use with elders, teachers, bosses, or anyone you want to show extra respect.

Examples:

• 你姓什么？Nǐ xìng shénme?What’s your last name? (Casual)

• 请问您贵姓？Qǐngwèn nín guì xìng?May I ask your honorable surname? (Polite)

Asking for Clarification

• 对不起，我没听清楚，您叫什么名字？Duìbuqǐ, wǒ méi tīng qīngchǔ, nín jiào shénme míngzì?Sorry, I didn't hear you clearly. What's your name?

Recap and Practice

• Now you’re ready to ask for and answer names in Chinese!

• Practice these phrases and soon you’ll be connecting with others effortlessly!