addressing new acquaintances and negotiating terms of address
22.5
The neutral and most common way to respond to this question is:
我姓(王)，叫(莉花)。
Wǒ xìng (Wáng), jiào (Lìhuā).
My family name is (Wang), my given name is (Lihua).The very polite way to inquire about someone’s family name and given name is:
请问，尊姓大名？
請問，尊姓大名?
Qǐng wèn, zūnxìng dàmíng?
Excuse me, what is your (honorable) name?The polite, humble response to this question is:
敝姓(王)，小名(建国)。
敝姓(王)，小名(建國)。
Bì xìng (Wáng), xiǎo míng (Jiànguó).
My humble family name is (Wang), and my small name is (Jianguo).People often do not inquire about given names when they first meet. When you have established
a friendship, you may inquire about a given name by asking:
你叫什么名字？
你叫甚麼名字？
Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?
What is your name?The reply to this question is either the family name plus the given name, or the given name
alone:
我叫(王玫玲)。
Wǒ jiào (Wáng Méilíng).
I am called (Wang Meiling). (My name is Wang Meiling.)To make a general inquiry about someone’s identity, ask:
你是谁？
你是誰？
Nǐ shì shéi?
Who are you?你是... ？
Nǐ shì...?
Are you...?你是哪位？
Nǐ shì něi wèi?
Who are you? (polite)To learn how someone prefers to be addressed by you, ask:
我应该怎么称呼你？
我應該怎麼稱呼你？
Wǒ yīnggāi zěnme chēnghu nǐ?
How should I address you?