Translation guide
How to ask for or give someone's name in Japanese, including self-introduction and addressing others.
The speaker wants to know the name of the person they are talking to.
Polite and standard way to ask 'What is your name?'. Suitable for most situations.
すみません、お名前は何ですか？
Excuse me, what is your name?
Casual but still polite way to ask 'Your name?'. Often used when the context is clear.
初めまして、お名前は？
Nice to meet you, your name?
Very casual, used among friends or children. Can sound blunt.
ねえ、名前は何？
Hey, what's your name?
The speaker wants to tell someone their name.
The standard way to say 'I am [Name]'. Simply state your name followed by です.
田中です。
I'm Tanaka.
はじめまして、ジョンです。
Nice to meet you, I'm John.
Literally 'I am called [Name]'. Slightly more formal and polite than just です.
Humble form used in very formal introductions, such as business settings.
私は田中と申します。
I am Tanaka. (very formal)
The speaker wants to mention another person's name.
Standard way to say '[Person]'s name is [Name]'.
彼の名前は田中です。
His name is Tanaka.
Means '[Person] is called [Name]'. Slightly more natural in some contexts.
彼女はジョンと言います。
She is called John.
The speaker wants to know who they are speaking to, often in a service context.
Polite way to ask 'Who is this?' or 'May I ask who's calling?' on the phone or at the door.
もしもし、どちら様ですか？
Hello, who is this?
The speaker wants to discuss the word 'name' itself.
The general word for 'name'. Used for people, things, etc.
この花の名前は何ですか？
What is the name of this flower?
Formal term for 'name' or 'title', often used for organizations or official names.
In English, we often say 'Your name?' but in Japanese, directly translating to 'あなたの名前' can sound unnatural or even rude. Use 'お名前' instead, which is the polite form.
お名前は？
Your name?
In Japanese, it's common to use a person's name instead of 'you' or 'he/she'. Once you know someone's name, use it with an appropriate suffix like さん.
田中さんは学生ですか？
Are you a student, Tanaka?
会社の名称を教えてください。
Please tell me the name of the company.