How to say what is your name in Chinese Mandarin
Ordering coffee, joining a class, or meeting a new teammate? If you searched what is what is your name in chinese, you are in the right place. Below are the core, natural ways to ask what is your name in Chinese so you can speak with confidence.
Core ways to ask what is your name in Chinese
The default everyday question is 你叫什么名字 Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi. It literally means you are-called what name, and it is taught in beginner courses. For extra politeness, add 请问 Qǐngwèn at the start: 请问你叫什么名字 Qǐngwèn nǐ jiào shénme míngzi.
Two shorter or more formal options you will also hear:
- 你叫什么 Nǐ jiào shénme
- 您贵姓 Nín guì xìng
Word-by-word clarity you can trust:
- 叫 jiào = to be called
- 名字 míngzi = name
- 姓 xìng = surname, family name
- 贵 guì = honorific marker meaning esteemed or polite
Mini phrase bank: 你好，你叫什么名字 | 请问你叫什么名字 | 您好，请问您贵姓
- Study spacing you might see: 你 叫 什么 名字
- Variant recap for quick pick: 你叫什么名字, 你叫什么, 您贵姓
When to use each phrase naturally
Use 你叫什么名字 in most situations, from classmates to new friends. The version with 请问 softens the tone and fits polite settings, as noted in the lesson linked above. 您贵姓 focuses on the surname and shows extra respect. In formal encounters, people often ask 您贵姓 and the other person may reply with a humble set phrase like 免贵姓李, which literally drops the honorific 贵 while giving the family name.
Quick meaning checks help your choices land well. If you are wondering in chinese what is your name in a friendly chat, go with 你叫什么名字. If you are thinking how do you say what's your name in Chinese when meeting someone older or in a formal context, 您贵姓 is the safest path. Either way, 你叫什么名字 remains the neutral, all-purpose pick that most learners start with.
Fast pronunciation walkthrough
Two tones make the question sound right fast. 叫 jiào uses the strong falling fourth tone. 名 míng in 名字 uses the rising second tone. You will see both tones clearly in the pinyin for 你叫什么名字 Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi in the linked lesson above.
You may encounter these written in simplified or traditional characters in different materials. The spoken forms here are Mandarin, so your pronunciation stays the same.
Try this short practice. Say hello, then ask the name in a natural register you choose:
- Casual: 你好，你叫什么名字
- Polite: 请问你叫什么名字
- Formal surname first: 您好，请问您贵姓
As you practice what is your name in Chinese, keep your tones clear and your register appropriate. That is all you need to start using what is your name in Chinese Mandarin smoothly.
How to say what is your name in Mandarin by context
Ever asked "how do you say what is your name in mandarin" and then worried you might sound too blunt? In Mandarin, the phrasing you pick signals respect, distance, and intent. If you searched "what is your name in mandarin chinese," here is how to choose the best fit fast.
Choosing the right register for the situation
First, match pronouns to formality. 你 nǐ is neutral and common among peers, while 您 nín is the respectful form used for seniors, clients, and formal settings. When unsure, choosing 您 is the safer default in formal or service contexts, which aligns with how Mandarin marks politeness in real use.
Next, pick the phrase that fits your goal:
- 你叫什么名字 Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi – friendly and neutral
- 您贵姓 Nín guì xìng – honorific and surname focused
- 我可以怎么称呼您 Wǒ kěyǐ zěnme chēnghu nín – professional, address-focused, like "How do I address you" koolearn example
Historically and culturally, 您贵姓 is a polite, less abrupt way to inquire on first meeting because it asks for the family name rather than the personal name China Daily column.
| Phrase | Register | Typical setting | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 你叫什么名字 Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi | Casual to neutral | Peers, classmates, social intros | Great for friendly chats. For mandarin what is your name in a cafe or hallway, this is your go-to. |
| 您贵姓 Nín guì xìng | Polite, honorific | First meetings with seniors, clients, formal receptions | Asks for surname only. Feels respectful and not intrusive. |
| 我可以怎么称呼您 Wǒ kěyǐ zěnme chēnghu nín | Professional, service | Workplace, phone, front desk, events | Equivalent to "How do I address you" when a direct name question might be too forward. |
When to ask surname only
姓 xìng is the family name. 名 míng is the given name. In formal encounters, it is normal to request 姓 first, then the full name if needed. That is why 您贵姓 works well at a reception desk or in a boardroom. If you are wondering "how do you say what's your name in mandarin" during a client call, the address-focused line 我可以怎么称呼您 is even softer.
Micro-dialogues you can copy:
- Workplace first meet: 您好, 我是李明. 我可以怎么称呼您 – 您好, 我姓王
- Street or campus intro: 你好, 我叫Anna. 你叫什么名字 – 我叫张伟
- Phone or online: 您好, 这里是晨光公司. 请问您贵姓 – 我姓陈
Regional awareness helps. This guide focuses on Mandarin. In other Sinitic varieties, local introductions differ, so choose the language your listener expects.
When in doubt, use 您, ask for the surname first, and adjust based on age, status, and setting.
With the right register chosen, the next win is sound. Up next, get tones and sandhi working so your question and name land clearly.
Chinese name pronunciation and tone sandhi made simple
Sounds complex? If you can say Nǐ hǎo, you can master the sounds you need to ask and answer what is your name in Mandarin naturally. Here is a fast, text-first guide to chinese name pronunciation that you can practice anywhere.
Pinyin and the four tones made practical
Pinyin writes Mandarin sounds with Latin letters and marks tones above vowels. Mandarin has four basic tones plus a light, neutral tone, and Pinyin shows them right on the syllable, which keeps the pinyin meaning focused on sound, not vocabulary meaning.
- 1st tone high and level yī – mnemonic: flat and steady
- 2nd tone rising lín – mnemonic: lift your pitch up
- 3rd tone low, then up wǒ – mnemonic: dip then lift
- 4th tone sharp fall qù – mnemonic: quick drop
Why tones matter when asking someone’s name in Mandarin? A tone slip can flip meanings, as in wàijiào foreign teacher vs wǎijiǎo sprained ankle, a classic mix-up noted in tone guides.
Essential tone sandhi you’ll actually use
Two high-impact rules will make your greetings and name lines clear:
- 3rd + 3rd becomes 2nd + 3rd. Say Nǐ hǎo like Ní hǎo. You will also hear this pattern in many everyday combos.
- Bù before a 4th tone becomes bú. For example, bù duì → bú duì and bù yào → bú yào.
These are standard, context-driven tone changes described in Mandarin tone-change guides CLI explainer. Keep applying them and your speech will sound far more natural.
Quick drill: Ní hǎo, qǐngwèn nǐ jiào shénme míngzi | Nín guì xìng | Wǒ jiào [Your Name]
Pronouncing your name in Mandarin
Goal one is comprehension. Use Pinyin to sketch the closest sounds and add tones, then read slowly and clearly before speeding up. When people mention the chinese mandarin alphabet, they usually mean Pinyin, which is a pronunciation aid. In practice, you will introduce yourself with Wǒ jiào… for my name in Mandarin, not a literal “my in Chinese” construction.
Have the surname Xú? If you have wondered how to pronounce xu, it is Xú with a rising second tone in Mandarin Wikipedia, Xu surname. Write your chosen name in Mandarin on a small card, mark tones, and practice from slow to natural pace. Record yourself saying Ní hǎo, wǒ jiào [Your Name], then compare tomorrow. Consistency with tones will do more for clarity than chasing a perfect accent.
With tones and sandhi under control, you are ready for copy-ready templates to ask and answer smoothly in the next section.
Copy-ready templates to say my name is in Chinese
When someone asks 你叫什么名字, you want a reply that feels natural and respectful. Wondering how to say my name is in Chinese or how to say my name is in Mandarin without overthinking it? Use these clear templates and you will be ready for any intro.
Answer templates you can copy today
- 我叫… Wǒ jiào … (I am called …). Example: 我叫张伟 Wǒ jiào Zhāng Wěi. Literal gloss: I call …
- 我姓… Wǒ xìng … (My surname is …). Example: 我姓李 Wǒ xìng Lǐ. Literal gloss: I surname …
- 我叫…，你呢 Wǒ jiào …, nǐ ne (I am called …, and you). Example: 我叫Anna, 你呢 Wǒ jiào Anna, nǐ ne
- Using an English or a Chinese version of your name. 我叫Anna Wǒ jiào Anna or 我叫安娜 Wǒ jiào Ānnà. Pick one for the situation and stick to it.
- Polite closer you can add after your name. 很高兴认识你 Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ or 很高兴认识您 Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nín (Very glad to meet you).
If you are thinking how do you say my name is in Chinese in a quick hallway chat, number 1 is perfect. If you are on a call with a client and want to start with the family name, use number 2. If you need a friendly handoff, add number 5. If someone asks for my name in Chinese, any of the first three lines will work smoothly.
Tip: Say 我叫… and then share your name in Chinese characters if you have them; it is a neat way to present my name in Chinese characters.
Surname first vs Western order
Chinese full names are typically written as Surname + Given name, for example 李明 Lǐ Míng, which matches beginner teaching materials on introducing surnames and given names in order in Mandarin courses Let’s Learn Mandarin Teacher’s Manual. That convention is why 我姓… is so handy in formal moments.
- Business cards and profiles: If you use a Chinese full name, keep the Surname + Given order and one consistent spelling across places.
- Classroom roll or training: Say 我姓… first if the setting is formal; otherwise 我叫… is fine.
- Online handles: You can keep your English nickname with 我叫Anna or try a Chinese rendering like 我叫安娜. Consistency helps people remember you.
Quick clarity checks you can use right now. If a host opens with 您贵姓, give your family name with 我姓… and, if asked, follow with 我叫… plus the full name. If a peer asks 你叫什么名字, reply with 我叫… and optionally add 很高兴认识你. That is the simplest way to cover how to say my name is in Mandarin Chinese in everyday talk.
Still asking how to say my name is in Chinese or how do i say my name in chinese for a new audience? Try lines 1 to 3 above, then decide whether to stick with English, share a Chinese form, or both. If you would like a Chinese version that fits your sound and meaning, the next section walks you through a practical transliteration workflow so your choice reads well and sounds natural.
A clear transliteration method for names into Chinese
Ready to introduce yourself after someone asks 你叫什么名字 but want a Chinese form that reads well on a card or profile? Use this practical chinese name translation workflow to translate name to mandarin without guesswork. It follows how accepted transliterations balance sound with positive character choices, as shown by examples like 安娜 Ānnà for Anna and 娜塔莉 Nàtǎlì for Natalie, and by the use of auspicious characters such as 德 dé virtue and 安 ān peace.
Sound-first transliteration workflow
- Segment your name by syllables. Example: Na-ta-lie → map as Nà-tǎ-lì in Pinyin, then choose characters that match.
- Shortlist Pinyin syllables for each segment. For Na consider nà 娜, for ta consider tǎ 塔, for lie consider lì 莉. This mirrors how you translate name into chinese step by step.
- Test tones for clarity. Read the full Pinyin with tones aloud. Because transliterated names are pronounced with Chinese tones, they may sound unfamiliar at first. Keep practicing until the rhythm feels natural.
- Prefer common, positive characters. Many standard renderings favor characters with good meanings, for example 德 dé in 理查德 Lǐchádé Richard or 哈罗德 Hāluōdé Harold, and 安 ān in 安娜 Ānnà Anna.
- Check overall readability. Ask a native speaker or a trusted chinese name translator to read it quickly. If they stumble, tweak one syllable and try again.
Principle to remember: keep the sound close and the character meanings positive.
Meaning-first name crafting
Want your name to carry a message as well as your sound? Pick characters that signal traits you value while staying near your original pronunciation. Common choices from real transliterations include 德 dé virtue, 安 ān peace, and 丽 lì beauty in women’s names like 帕特丽夏 Pàtèlìxià and 伊丽莎白 Yīlìshābái. This approach makes translating names into chinese feel intentional, not random.
| English sound | Pinyin + character | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| an | ān 安 | 安娜 Ānnà Anna; 安东尼 Āndōngní Anthony | Peaceful meaning and clear sound |
| na | nà 娜 | 娜塔莉 Nàtǎlì Natalie; 安娜 Ānnà Anna | Matches -na endings well |
| ta | tǎ 塔 | 娜塔莉 Nàtǎlì Natalie | Common mid-syllable choice |
| li | lì 莉 or 丽 | 娜塔莉 Nàtǎlì; 帕特丽夏 Pàtèlìxià | 丽 means beauty in many female names |
| de | dé 德 | 理查德 Lǐchádé Richard; 哈罗德 Hāluōdé Harold | Virtue; widely used in renderings |
| dong, ni | dōng 东, ní 尼 | 安东尼 Āndōngní Anthony | Clear, simple syllables |
Decision criteria and conflict resolution
- Audience and setting. For business cards or meetings where people ask what is your name in Chinese language contexts, keep a close sound match and positive characters. For gaming or pen names, you can lean further into meaning.
- Platform policy. Real-name platforms favor formal transliterations. If you keep Western order, Chinese sources often retain it and separate given and family names with a dot.
- Cultural fit. Avoid rare or edgy characters that could distract. Favor clear, auspicious choices and have a native review before you finalize your translate english to chinese name plan.
Quick checklist to avoid awkward homophones
- Read the full name with tones and ask a native to repeat what they heard.
- Look up each character’s common meanings and connotations.
- Scan the whole string for unintended words when read together.
- Decide on order. Western order is acceptable and may use a middle dot. Chinese order is Surname + Given.
- For forms that need a chinese name english translation, add Pinyin with tones under the characters.
- Do a final name translate chinese sanity check in a chat or call before you print cards.
This workflow covers how to translate name into chinese in a way people can read and remember. Up next, see the top mistakes to avoid and what to say instead so your introductions stay smooth.
Avoid common errors when asking names in Chinese
Ever ask confidently and then feel something sounded off? Small tweaks will fix most issues fast, whether you are saying hello my name is in Chinese or asking someone’s name.
Top mistakes and what to say instead
- Mixing 姓 vs 名. Mistake: Using 您贵姓 to ask for a full given name. Say 您贵姓 when you only want the surname. Correct: 您贵姓 – 我姓王. If you need the full name, ask 你叫什么名字 after the surname. If you wonder how to say what is your name, 你叫什么名字 is the neutral choice.
- Using 你 with seniors where 您 fits. In Mandarin, 您 shows respect for elders, teachers, clients, or strangers in polite settings. Prefer 您 when unsure, then switch if invited to be casual.
- Adding 吗 to a WH-question. Do not tag 吗 onto the name question. Wrong: 你叫什么名字吗. Right: 你 叫 什麼 名字 or 你叫什么名字.
- Tones on 叫 and 名. Many flatten them under pressure. Keep 叫 jiào as a sharp falling 4th tone, and 名 míng as a rising 2nd. Say it slowly first: Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi.
- Literal translation of middle names. In quick intros, avoid turning an English middle name into a dictionary word. Better: transliterate or drop it in casual settings. Example: 我叫John Smith or 我叫安纳 Anna, not a mix of literal words.
- Overusing 的 in self-introductions. Short beats fussy. Instead of 我的名字的中文是…, just say 我叫…. That is the simplest answer to how do you say my name in Chinese.
Polite follow-ups that keep conversations smooth
After names, add a warm closer. 很高兴认识你 or 很高兴认识您 pairs well with an intro and corresponds to the English Nice to meet you. If you are thinking how to say hello my name is in Chinese, try 你好, 我叫…, 很高兴认识你.
Ask for surname with 您贵姓 in formal settings; switch to given name only after invited.
60-second micro-drills you can copy now:
- Polite first meet: 你好, 请问您贵姓. 我姓王. 很高兴认识您.
- Neutral chat: 你好, 你叫什么名字. 我叫李明. 很高兴认识你.
- Quick self intro: 你好, 我叫[Your Name]. If you need how to say hi my name is in chinese or how to write my name is in chinese, write and say 你好, 我叫[Your Name].
Practice these until they feel automatic. Next, if you want more authentic name options to try in those lines, you will see a simple way to explore choices efficiently.
How to find your Chinese name with AI
You have your question and reply lines ready. Now you want a name that fits your voice. Wondering how to find your chinese name fast, or asking what is my chinese name and what is the chinese name of my name. A smart generator can speed up ideas while you keep final control over sound and meaning.
Generate your Chinese name with AI
Use an AI generator as a companion to the transliteration workflow you learned above. It gives you curated options you can refine, not a one click final answer.
- Set your purpose. Social profile, gaming tag, pen name, or a work profile.
- Pick a style and gender. Traditional, modern, playful, or formal. Choose male or female if relevant.
- Choose 1 to 2 themes you value. For example strength, creativity, peace. This helps you explore names in chinese and meanings that match your intent.
- Shortlist 3 candidates. Keep the ones you can pronounce clearly and would be happy to say after 你叫什么名字.
- Verify meanings and sound. Use a chinese name meaning translator to check pinyin and per character gloss. Keep the option whose meaning of chinese names aligns with your goal.
- Reality check. Ask a native speaker or teacher if anything sounds awkward, then lock in one choice as my chinese name for the current context.
Generate three options, confirm the sound and meaning, then choose the one you can say with confidence.
When tools beat manual methods
Generators shine for quick ideation and for exploring themes before you commit. Your judgment still matters for tone, register, and avoiding tricky homophones. For realism, remember that full name patterns are not random. In one analysis of a million real names, about 10.1% of full names were two characters, a reminder to keep your choices natural in length and rhythm.
| Option | Best for | Cultural authenticity | Customization | Learning value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old West History Chinese Name Generator | Fast, authentic options for social, gaming, and brandable pen names | High when you pick positive, common characters | High by style, gender, and desired meanings | Good if you review why a name works | AI powered suggestions with personalization by meanings and styles; some outputs include creative bios |
| Manual transliteration workflow | Business cards, formal profiles, and precise sound matching | Very high with careful character choices | Highest control over every syllable and tone | Excellent for understanding names in chinese and meanings | Use the step by step process from the previous section to balance sound and meaning |
| Dataset based random generator | Testing realism or brainstorming bulk examples | Realistic distribution of surnames and given names | Low personalization | Medium for noticing common patterns | One study built names from about 71k real entries and observed 33.11% two character full names |
| Chinese Name Meaning Translator | Verifying the meaning and pinyin of a candidate | Meaning check, not generation | N A | High for learning character by character | Returns full pinyin, a line by line character meaning breakdown, and a one sentence summary |
If you are asking what is my chinese name, first generate two or three options, then confirm details with a meaning checker. If you prefer a meaning led path, scan the output to see the meaning of chinese names at a glance and pick the one that fits your purpose. When you feel ready, try saying your choice in a full line like 你好, 我叫… to see how it flows.
Use the generator for breadth, the translator for depth, and your ear for final fit. Next you will get a one week practice roadmap to master your chosen name and the key questions.
One week plan to master what's your name in Chinese
Ready to go from recognition to confident use? Follow this short, repeatable plan to ask and answer smoothly, whether you need a quick hallway intro or a polished work greeting.
Practice roadmap you can finish this week
- Day 1 – Lock in the core questions. Memorize 你叫什么名字 and 您贵姓. Add the professional prompt 我可以怎么称呼您. If you ever wondered how to say what is your name in chinese language, these three cover casual, polite, and professional.
- Day 2 – Record tone drills. Say Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi slowly, then naturally. Focus on jiào 4th tone and míng 2nd tone. Use a tool with AI speech recognition and feedback to check clarity and speed, as recommended by modern practice platforms that highlight interactive speaking and real time feedback.
- Day 3 – Build your replies. Write and practice 我叫..., 我姓..., and closers like 很高兴认识你 or 很高兴认识您. If you are asking how to write my name in mandarin or how can i write my name in chinese, follow three steps: choose Pinyin and tones, pick clear characters, then write both on a small card. Optionally test sound and meaning combinations with the Old West History Chinese Name Generator and pick one to practice. This also answers how to write name in chinese language for forms.
- Day 4 – Try a live exchange. Practice with a peer or tutor. Use simple scripts such as 你们叫什么名字? 我叫李友. 我叫婷婷, 你呢 for fast repetition, as seen in a classroom dialogue sample.
- Day 5 – Refine with feedback. Ask a native speaker or coach to nudge tones and register. Make sure your what's your name in chinese line lands clearly. If you wonder how do you write your name in chinese, double check the characters you chose and keep Pinyin under them for now.
- Day 6 – Finalize a professional version. Decide whether to lead with the surname. Prepare a short email or phone opener that uses 您 and ends with 我可以怎么称呼您. If needed, add characters plus Pinyin in your signature to show how to write your name in chinese for colleagues.
- Day 7 – Lock it in with spaced repetition. Schedule two 5 minute sessions. Rotate through casual, polite, and professional flows. Keep a weekly review to refresh tones and how to write your name in mandarin with your chosen characters.
Pulling it all together naturally
- Neutral flow: 你好, 你叫什么名字 — 我叫[Name]. 很高兴认识你.
- Polite flow: 您好, 请问您贵姓 — 我姓[Family Name]. 我叫[Full Name]. 很高兴认识您.
- Professional flow: 您好, 我是[Company]的[Your Name]. 我可以怎么称呼您 — 我姓[Family Name].
Write your chosen line on a small card. This makes it easier to remember how to write your name in chinese and to answer forms that ask how to write name in chinese language.
Tones first, register right, then speed last.
Keep the steps simple and repeat daily, and your greetings will sound clear, polite, and natural anywhere you go.
FAQs on what is your name in chinese language
1. How do you say what is your name in Mandarin politely?
Use 你叫什么名字 for neutral settings, 您贵姓 when you want a respectful, surname‑first question, and 我可以怎么称呼您 in professional contexts to ask how to address someone. Pick 您 when unsure, then adjust if the other person invites a casual tone.
2. What is bopomofo in Chinese and how is it different from Pinyin?
Bopomofo, also called Zhuyin, is a sound‑based writing system for transcribing Mandarin. Pinyin uses Latin letters with tone marks. For learning to ask names and introduce yourself, Pinyin gives an easy bridge from English spelling to Mandarin sounds.
3. Should I ask for the surname first in Chinese introductions?
Yes in formal situations. 您贵姓 asks only for the family name and reads as courteous and non‑intrusive. If you later need the full name, follow up with a neutral question like 你叫什么名字.
4. How can I write my name in Chinese characters for a profile or business card?
Start with a sound match in Pinyin, choose positive, common characters that fit those sounds, read the whole name aloud with tones, and get a native check. If you want quick ideas aligned to your sound and meaning, try an AI generator and keep the final choice you can pronounce clearly.
5. How do you pronounce Xu in Mandarin?
Xu is Xú with a rising second tone in Mandarin. Practice it slowly in a full line, for example after 我叫…, then speed up. Focus on keeping the tone consistent so listeners understand you on the first try.
