Meaning
Asking to identify a person, often when someone knocks or calls.
Cultural Background
In Mexico, it is common to add '¿Quién?' or '¿Quién habla?' when answering the phone. In Spain, people might just say '¿Sí?' (Yes?) when answering the door, but '¿Quién es?' is still the standard for identification. Argentines often use '¿Quién es?' but might add '¿Quién va?' in more rural or informal contexts. In Colombia, politeness is highly valued; adding 'por favor' is very common.
Don't forget the accent
Always write 'Quién' with an accent mark when it is a question.
Avoid 'Qué'
Using 'Qué' for a person is rude; it treats them like an object.
Meaning
Asking to identify a person, often when someone knocks or calls.
Don't forget the accent
Always write 'Quién' with an accent mark when it is a question.
Avoid 'Qué'
Using 'Qué' for a person is rude; it treats them like an object.
Add 'por favor'
Adding 'por favor' makes you sound much more polite and native-like.
Context matters
In some cultures, answering '¿Quién es?' is the start of a long conversation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct interrogative.
___ es la persona en la puerta?
'Quién' is used for people.
Choose the correct response to a knock.
Alguien toca la puerta. ¿Qué dices?
This is the standard way to ask for identity.
Complete the dialogue.
A: (Knock) B: ____ A: Soy yo, Juan.
The context is a knock, requiring identity.
Match the situation to the correct question.
You want to know the name of the person in a photo.
Asking for identity of a person.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises___ es la persona en la puerta?
'Quién' is used for people.
Alguien toca la puerta. ¿Qué dices?
This is the standard way to ask for identity.
A: (Knock) B: ____ A: Soy yo, Juan.
The context is a knock, requiring identity.
You want to know the name of the person in a photo.
Asking for identity of a person.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically, use '¿Quiénes son?', but '¿Quién es?' is accepted for a group unit.
Yes, it can sound abrupt or aggressive. Always use the full phrase.
That's exactly when you use it! It's for identification.
Say 'Soy yo' (It's me) or your name.
The phrase is universal, but the tone and follow-up might vary.
Yes, it's very common for unknown numbers.
Identity is a permanent characteristic, so 'ser' is required.
The phrase itself is neutral; your tone conveys the emotion.
It's neutral. Add 'por favor' for formal.
Only if you treat them like people (pets).
Related Phrases
¿De parte de quién?
specialized formWho is calling?
¿Quién es esa persona?
builds onWho is that person?
¿Quiénes son?
similarWho are they?
Soy yo
contrastIt's me
