Signification
A polite way to ask for someone's name.
Contexte culturel
In Kolkata, using 'Apni' and this formal phrase is expected when meeting anyone of a similar or higher social standing. It is part of the 'Bhadralok' culture. In Bangladesh, hospitality is paramount. Using this phrase shows you are a guest with good manners ('Adab'). It is often followed by asking about one's 'Desh' (ancestral home). In modern tech hubs like Dhaka or Salt Lake (Kolkata), English is common, but starting a conversation with this Bengali phrase builds immediate rapport and trust. In very traditional settings, people might use 'Shubho Nam' (Auspicious Name). It implies that knowing the person's name is a blessing or a good omen.
The Power of a Smile
In Bengali culture, saying this with a slight smile and a small nod makes it 10x more effective.
Avoid 'Tumi' with Strangers
Never use 'Tomar nam ki?' with someone older or in a professional setting; it can be seen as a major insult.
Signification
A polite way to ask for someone's name.
The Power of a Smile
In Bengali culture, saying this with a slight smile and a small nod makes it 10x more effective.
Avoid 'Tumi' with Strangers
Never use 'Tomar nam ki?' with someone older or in a professional setting; it can be seen as a major insult.
The 'Ta' Trick
Adding '-ta' to 'nam' (namta) makes the request sound even softer and more natural in conversation.
Wait for the Right Moment
Don't rush to ask the name. Often, it's better to say 'Nomoshkar' or 'Salam' first, wait a few seconds, then ask.
Teste-toi
Complete the formal question.
আপনার নাম কি ______ পারি?
The infinitive form 'জানতে' (to know) is required before the modal verb 'পারি'.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a job interview?
ইন্টারভিউতে কোনটি বলবেন?
This is the most formal and respectful option.
Complete the dialogue between a receptionist and a guest.
রিসেপশনিস্ট: শুভ সকাল। ______? অতিথি: জ্বী, আমার নাম রবিন হক।
A receptionist must use formal language with a guest.
Match the phrase to the person you are talking to.
১. আপনার নাম কি জানতে পারি? ২. তোমার নাম কি? ৩. তোর নাম কি?
Formal for boss, neutral for classmate, intimate for younger brother.
Match the Bengali phrase with its English equivalent.
১. আপনার নাম কি? ২. আপনার নাম কি জানতে পারি? ৩. আপনার শুভ নাম কি?
These reflect the different levels of formality in Bengali.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Apni vs Tumi vs Tui
Key Components
Pronoun
- • আপনার (Your - formal)
Noun
- • নাম (Name)
Verb
- • জানতে পারি (May I know)
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesআপনার নাম কি ______ পারি?
The infinitive form 'জানতে' (to know) is required before the modal verb 'পারি'.
ইন্টারভিউতে কোনটি বলবেন?
This is the most formal and respectful option.
রিসেপশনিস্ট: শুভ সকাল। ______? অতিথি: জ্বী, আমার নাম রবিন হক।
A receptionist must use formal language with a guest.
১. আপনার নাম কি জানতে পারি? ২. তোমার নাম কি? ৩. তোর নাম কি?
Formal for boss, neutral for classmate, intimate for younger brother.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These reflect the different levels of formality in Bengali.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is very polite. However, a simple 'আপনার নাম কি?' is more common in that context.
The most common response is 'আমার নাম [Name]'.
Absolutely. It is a very professional way to ask for a contact person's name.
Direct questions can sound like an interrogation. This version sounds like a polite request.
Yes, 'Apnar' is always the formal/honorific possessive pronoun.
Just saying 'Apnar nam ki?' is still polite and perfectly acceptable.
No, this phrase is gender-neutral for both the speaker and the listener.
Yes, if you have just met them and want to maintain a respectful distance.
You wouldn't. You would say 'Tomar nam ki, khoka/khuki?'
Yes, but mostly by older people or in very formal ceremonies.
It functions as the question word 'what'.
Not really. 'Apnar nam ki jante pari?' is the standard and most natural order.
Expressions liées
আপনার পরিচয়?
similarYour identity?
আপনার শুভ নাম কি?
specialized formWhat is your auspicious name?
নামটা কি বলবেন?
similarWill you say the name?
তোমার নাম কি?
contrastWhat is your name?
পরিচয়টা কি পেতে পারি?
builds onMay I have your introduction?
