Quick Answer
The most common way to ask "What is your name?" in Chinese is 你叫什么名字? in characters, written as ni jiao shenme mingzi? in pinyin. A shorter casual answer is 我叫... (wo jiao...), meaning "I am called..." or "My name is...". For example: 你叫什么名字? 我叫 Anna.
Main phrase and pinyin
Use this phrase in classrooms, travel, language learning, and normal introductions.
| Example | Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Question | 你叫什么名字？ | ni jiao shenme mingzi? | What is your name? |
| Answer | 我叫 Anna。 | wo jiao Anna. | My name is Anna. |
| Formal answer | 我的名字是 Anna。 | wo de mingzi shi Anna. | My name is Anna; grammatical but less conversational |
| Name word | 名字 | mingzi | name |
Casual vs formal wording
In everyday speech, Chinese speakers usually use 你叫什么名字? for the question and 我叫... for the answer. 我的名字是... is understandable but can sound more literal or formal.
- Use 你叫什么名字? for a normal direct question.
- Use 您贵姓? only in more formal surname-focused contexts.
- Use 我叫... for a natural answer.
- Use pinyin as pronunciation help, not as the written Chinese phrase.
Name order reminder
If you answer with a Chinese full name, remember that Chinese names normally place the family name first and the given name second.
- Chinese order: family name first, given name second.
- English names can be used directly in the sentence for casual introductions.
- If you choose a Chinese name, check characters and pinyin before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say what is your name in Chinese?
Say 你叫什么名字? in Chinese characters, with pinyin ni jiao shenme mingzi?
How do I answer my name is in Chinese?
Use 我叫... (wo jiao...). For example, 我叫 Anna means My name is Anna.
Is 你的名字是什么 correct?
It is understandable, but 你叫什么名字? is more natural for asking someone their name.
Do I need a Chinese name to answer?
No. You can answer with your English name. If you want a Chinese name, choose one separately and review the characters.