Meaning
To state or declare one's own name.
Cultural Background
Avoid using a person's name directly unless you are older or the same age and close. Use titles like 'Teacher', 'Manager', or 'Older Brother/Sister' instead. When stating your name in a formal setting, it is common to provide your full name including the surname. Surnames like Kim, Lee, and Park are very common. The concept of 'Cheonmyeong' or the importance of names in lineage means that some families still go to professional naming centers to choose auspicious names for babies. In the past, children were sometimes given 'ugly' names to ward off bad spirits, but they would '이름을 말하다' (state their real name) only in official contexts.
The 'Eul' Drop
In casual conversation, Koreans almost always drop the '을'. Just say '이름 말해' to sound more like a native.
Honorifics Matter
Never use '이름' when asking for the name of someone significantly older than you. It sounds like you are treating them as a child.
Meaning
To state or declare one's own name.
The 'Eul' Drop
In casual conversation, Koreans almost always drop the '을'. Just say '이름 말해' to sound more like a native.
Honorifics Matter
Never use '이름' when asking for the name of someone significantly older than you. It sounds like you are treating them as a child.
Surname First
Always say your family name first. If your name is John Smith, in a Korean context, you might say 'Smith John'.
Clarity
Korean has many similar-sounding names (e.g., Min-su, Min-ju). When saying your name, speak slowly and clearly.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct object marker.
이름___ 말해 주세요.
'이름' ends in a consonant, so it takes '을'.
Choose the most polite way to ask a teacher for their name.
선생님, ...
'성함' and '말씀하다' are the honorific forms required for a teacher.
Complete the dialogue at a hospital reception.
간호사: 예약하셨나요? ___ 말씀해 주세요. 환자: 네, 김민수입니다.
In a hospital, the nurse will ask for your '성함' (honorific name).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a police officer demanding ID?
'이름 대다' is a forceful way to demand a name, typical of authorities.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Politeness Levels for 'Saying a Name'
Practice Bank
4 exercises이름___ 말해 주세요.
'이름' ends in a consonant, so it takes '을'.
선생님, ...
'성함' and '말씀하다' are the honorific forms required for a teacher.
간호사: 예약하셨나요? ___ 말씀해 주세요. 환자: 네, 김민수입니다.
In a hospital, the nurse will ask for your '성함' (honorific name).
Which phrase fits a police officer demanding ID?
'이름 대다' is a forceful way to demand a name, typical of authorities.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questions이름 is the neutral word for 'name'. 성함 is the honorific version used to show respect to the person you are talking about.
Yes, but in formal situations, it is more polite to use the humble verb '말씀드리다'.
This is a more colloquial way to say 'give a name', often used at restaurants for waitlists or by police.
The most common way is '제 이름은 [Name]입니다' or '[Name]이라고 합니다'.
In Korea, it's standard to give your full name (Surname + Given Name) in almost all initial introductions.
성명 (姓名) is a formal Sino-Korean word for 'full name', usually found on forms and legal documents.
No, '이야기하다' implies a longer conversation. For a single piece of info like a name, '말하다' is correct.
Use '성함이 어떻게 되세요?' (How does your name become?)
In writing, yes. In speaking, it is often omitted for a more natural flow.
Koreans don't have middle names. You can either omit it or include it as part of your given name.
No, animals cannot '말하다'. You would use '소리를 내다' (make a sound) or '짖다' (bark).
Yes, '브랜드 이름을 말하다' is perfectly fine.
They are homonyms with different origins. Context usually makes it clear which one is meant.
A common slangy way to say 'tell me' is '불러 봐' (Try calling/singing it out).
Related Phrases
자기소개
similarSelf-introduction
성함을 대다
specialized formTo provide a name (honorific)
이름을 짓다
builds onTo make/create a name
이름이 나다
figurativeTo become famous
이름을 더럽히다
contrastTo tarnish one's name/reputation
