Meaning
A question to ask about a person's identity.
Cultural Background
Asking 'Who are you?' directly can be seen as blunt. Often, people introduce themselves first. In business, you should always use 'どなた様でしょうか' to show respect. Among close friends, 'だれ？' is perfectly fine. When answering the phone, it is common to say 'はい、だれですか' or just 'はい'.
The 'u' drop
In 'desu', the 'u' is almost silent. Say 'dess-ka'.
Politeness matters
Always use 'donata' for people you don't know well.
Meaning
A question to ask about a person's identity.
The 'u' drop
In 'desu', the 'u' is almost silent. Say 'dess-ka'.
Politeness matters
Always use 'donata' for people you don't know well.
Context is key
You can omit the subject if it's clear.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct question particle.
あの人はだれです___？
The particle 'か' is used at the end of a sentence to indicate a question.
Which is the most polite way to ask 'Who is it?'
Choose the best option.
'どなた' is the honorific form of 'だれ'.
Match the Japanese phrase with its English meaning.
Match: 1. だれですか 2. あの人はだれですか
Direct translation matches.
Complete the dialogue.
A: (Knock knock) B: ________?
When someone knocks, you ask who they are.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesあの人はだれです___？
The particle 'か' is used at the end of a sentence to indicate a question.
Choose the best option.
'どなた' is the honorific form of 'だれ'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation matches.
A: (Knock knock) B: ________?
When someone knocks, you ask who they are.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, use 'donata desu ka' instead.
Yes, if used with the wrong person.
That's exactly when you use this phrase!
Say '[Name] です'.
No, 'dare' works for singular and plural.
Yes, it's very common.
It's a natural feature of Japanese phonology.
Yes, but it's more polite in Japanese.
No, use 'nani' (what) for animals.
Yes, all the time!
You might say 'Dare da!' (casual/rude).
No, it's one of the first phrases you'll learn.
Related Phrases
どなたですか
specialized formWho is it? (polite)
だれですか
synonymWho is it?
だれのものですか
builds onWhose is it?
だれと
similarWith whom?
