A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "What is yes" in Italian
Ask for someone's name politely in Italian with this essential phrase.
Qual è il tuo nome?
kwal EH il TOO-oh NOH-mehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you meet someone for the first time and want to know their name. It's a standard, polite way to get acquainted.
Alternatives
- Come ti chiami?This is more casual and directly translates to 'What do you call yourself?'
- Qual è il Suo nome?Use this if you need to be very formal, using the Lei form.
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'Cosa' instead of 'Qual è'
'Cosa' means 'what' but is used for objects or actions, not for asking 'what is' in this context.
Pronouncing 'nome' with a short 'o'
Make sure to pronounce the 'o' in 'nome' as a long, open sound, like in 'go'.
A small cultural note
Italians often introduce themselves by first name, so asking for a full name might feel a bit formal unless the context calls for it.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between 'Qual è il tuo nome' and 'Come ti chiami'?
'Qual è il tuo nome?' is a more direct translation of 'What is your name?'. 'Come ti chiami?' literally means 'How do you call yourself?' and is often used in more casual settings.
How do I respond if someone asks me my name?
You can say 'Mi chiamo [your name]' which means 'I am called [your name]', or simply 'Sono [your name]' meaning 'I am [your name]'.
When should I use 'Qual è il Suo nome?'
Use 'Qual è il Suo nome?' when addressing someone you would use the formal 'Lei' form with, such as an elder you don't know, a professional in a formal setting, or someone in a position of authority.
