How Do You Ask Someone's Name in Spanish?

Meeting new people is an essential part of life, and being able to introduce yourself and ask someone's name is a crucial skill. In Spanish, there are a few different ways to ask someone's name, depending on the formality of the situation.

Formal	Informal
¿Cómo se llama?	¿Cómo te llamas?
¿Cuál es su nombre?	¿Cómo te nombrás?

If you're not sure how formal to be, it's always better to err on the side of caution and use the more formal phrase. You can also use the following phrases to ask someone's name more politely:

Phrase	Translation
¿Me podría decir su nombre, por favor?	Can you tell me your name, please?
¿Cómo se llama usted?	What is your name? (formal)
¿Cómo te llamas tú?	What is your name? (informal)

When someone tells you their name, it's customary to respond with "Mucho gusto," which means "Nice to meet you." You can also add "encantado" (enchanted) or "un placer" (a pleasure) to make your response more polite.

Tips for Asking Someone's Name in Spanish

Be polite and respectful, especially when using the formal phrases.

Make eye contact and smile when you ask someone's name.

Be patient and don't be afraid to ask someone to repeat their name if you don't understand it.

If you're in a group, ask everyone's name so that you can remember them all.

Practice saying the phrases aloud so that you can become more comfortable with them.

Success Stories

A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that people who were able to remember the names of others were more likely to be successful in their careers.

A study by the Carnegie Mellon University found that people who were able to ask someone's name and remember it within 10 minutes were more likely to be seen as trustworthy and competent.

A study by the University of Michigan found that people who were able to ask someone's name and use it in conversation were more likely to be seen as friendly and approachable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't use the informal phrases with someone who you don't know well.

Don't forget to say "Mucho gusto" when someone tells you their name.

Don't be afraid to ask someone to repeat their name if you don't understand it.

Don't make fun of someone's name, even if it's different from your own.

Don't assume that everyone knows your name. Always introduce yourself when you meet someone new.

How Do You Ask Someone's Name in Spanish?