Signification
A formal way to ask someone their name.
Contexte culturel
It is common to add 'Sahab' (Sir) after a man's name or 'Sahiba' (Madam) after a woman's name once they tell you their name. This region is famous for 'Pehle Aap' (You first) culture. Politeness is an art form here, and 'Aap' is used even for children to teach them manners. Young people in cities like Karachi or Lahore might mix English. They might say 'Aap ka name kya hai?' using the English word 'name'. In religious settings, people often avoid 'kya hai' and use 'ism-e-mubarak' (blessed name) to show extra humility.
Smile while asking
In South Asian culture, a friendly face makes the formal 'Aap' feel warm rather than cold.
Avoid 'Tu'
Never use 'Tera naam kya hai?' unless you are looking for a fight or talking to a very close childhood friend.
Signification
A formal way to ask someone their name.
Smile while asking
In South Asian culture, a friendly face makes the formal 'Aap' feel warm rather than cold.
Avoid 'Tu'
Never use 'Tera naam kya hai?' unless you are looking for a fight or talking to a very close childhood friend.
Use 'Janab'
Adding 'Janab' at the start makes you sound very educated.
Wait for the Salaam
Always say 'Assalamu Alaikum' before asking the name.
Teste-toi
Choose the most respectful way to ask an elderly person their name.
Meeting a grandfather for the first time:
'Aap' is the required honorific for elders.
Fill in the missing possessive marker.
آپ ___ نام کیا ہے؟
'Naam' is masculine, so we use 'ka'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: اسلام علیکم۔ B: وعلیکم السلام۔ A: ________؟ B: میرا نام سارہ ہے۔
The response 'Mera naam...' indicates the question was about their name.
Match the phrase to the person.
Who would you say 'آپ کا نام کیا ہے؟' to?
Formal situations require 'Aap'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMeeting a grandfather for the first time:
'Aap' is the required honorific for elders.
آپ ___ نام کیا ہے؟
'Naam' is masculine, so we use 'ka'.
A: اسلام علیکم۔ B: وعلیکم السلام۔ A: ________؟ B: میرا نام سارہ ہے۔
The response 'Mera naam...' indicates the question was about their name.
Who would you say 'آپ کا نام کیا ہے؟' to?
Formal situations require 'Aap'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, with a rising intonation, it is a common shorthand in busy environments.
It is masculine. That's why we say 'Aap ka' and not 'Aap ki'.
Most people will forgive a learner, but it's best to apologize with 'Maaf kijiyega'.
Say 'Mera naam [Your Name] hai'.
No, the phrase is identical in spoken Hindi.
Wait for the other person to use 'Tum' first, or until you've become close friends.
No, the phrase remains exactly the same regardless of gender.
'Ism' is the Arabic word for name, used in formal Urdu.
Urdu verbs almost always come at the end of the sentence.
You can, but 'Tumhara naam kya hai?' is more natural.
Expressions liées
میرا نام ... ہے
builds onMy name is...
آپ سے مل کر خوشی ہوئی
similarNice to meet you
آپ کا اسمِ گرامی؟
specialized formYour venerable name?
تمہارا نام کیا ہے؟
contrastWhat is your name? (Informal)
آپ کون ہیں؟
similarWho are you?
