Meaning
A basic question asking for a person's name.
Cultural Background
Names are rarely used in isolation. Usually, you add '씨' (ssi) after the full name or given name to be polite (e.g., 철수 씨). In business, business cards (명함) are exchanged instead of asking '이름이 뭐예요?'. This avoids the awkwardness of verbal inquiry. Parents are often called by their child's name + 'mom/dad' (e.g., 'Minsu's Mom') rather than their own names. Historically, some Koreans had 'childhood names' (아명) that were different from their adult names to ward off bad luck.
Smile while asking
In Korea, asking for a name can feel a bit direct, so a friendly smile makes it much more natural.
Check the age
If the person looks much older than you, stop! Use '성함이 어떻게 되세요?' instead.
Meaning
A basic question asking for a person's name.
Smile while asking
In Korea, asking for a name can feel a bit direct, so a friendly smile makes it much more natural.
Check the age
If the person looks much older than you, stop! Use '성함이 어떻게 되세요?' instead.
Use '씨' in return
Once they tell you their name, say '[Name] 씨, 반가워요!' to show you know the etiquette.
Don't be surprised
If they don't ask your name back immediately, they might be waiting to see if you are older or younger first!
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to complete the sentence.
이름__ 뭐예요?
Because '이름' ends in a consonant (ㅁ), the subject marker '이' is used.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: 안녕하세요! 처음 뵙겠습니다. ______? B: 저는 김철수예요.
The response gives a name, so the question must be asking for a name.
Match the phrase to the correct person you are speaking to.
Who would you say '성함이 어떻게 되세요?' to?
Professors require honorific language (성함).
Fill in the missing word in the polite form.
이름이 ___예요?
'뭐' is the interrogative for 'what'.
Match the formality level to the phrase.
Match them correctly.
These are the three main levels of asking for a name.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercises이름__ 뭐예요?
Because '이름' ends in a consonant (ㅁ), the subject marker '이' is used.
A: 안녕하세요! 처음 뵙겠습니다. ______? B: 저는 김철수예요.
The response gives a name, so the question must be asking for a name.
Who would you say '성함이 어떻게 되세요?' to?
Professors require honorific language (성함).
이름이 ___예요?
'뭐' is the interrogative for 'what'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three main levels of asking for a name.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in casual conversation, the '이' is often dropped, but it's better to learn it with the particle first.
No, it's polite (해요체). It's only 'rude' if used with someone much older who expects honorifics.
Say '[Name]이에요' (if it ends in a vowel) or '[Name]이에요' (if it ends in a consonant).
Say '죄송한데, 이름이 뭐였죠?' (I'm sorry, what was your name again?).
No, '당신의' (your) is almost never used in spoken Korean. It sounds like a bad translation from a movie.
No, for objects, use '이게 뭐예요?' (What is this?). '이름' is for people, pets, or specific named entities.
이름 is the standard word; 성함 is the honorific word used to show respect to elders.
Because '뭐' ends in a vowel. '이에요' is for words ending in consonants.
Yes, if you have a reason to talk to them. Otherwise, Koreans are a bit shy about sharing names with total strangers.
When asking, you are asking for their name. When they reply, they will give their full name. You should address them by [Full Name] + 씨.
Related Phrases
성함이 어떻게 되세요?
specialized formWhat is your name? (Honorific)
이름이 뭐야?
informalWhat's your name? (Casual)
어떻게 불러 드릴까요?
similarHow should I address you?
제 이름은 ...입니다
builds onMy name is...
성함이 무엇입니까?
specialized formWhat is your name? (Very Formal)
