24 Japanese Phrases to Ask “What’s Your Name?”

Learning how to ask someone’s name in Japanese is one of the first and most important steps in making connections. It’s simple, but there are so many ways to say it, depending on the situation.

Whether you’re chatting with friends, meeting someone professionally, or just want to sound more natural, knowing these phrases will help you fit right in. It’s fun to see how varied and expressive Japanese can be with just this one question.

There are polite ways, casual ways, and even very native-like expressions that natives use every day. Getting comfortable with all of them will boost your confidence and make your conversations flow better.

In this list, we’ll explore 24 Japanese phrases to ask “What’s your name?” in different tones and contexts. You’ll find something perfect for every occasion, plus little pronunciation tips to nail the sounds right.

And as you learn, you’ll discover how cultural nuances shape language. Asking someone’s name isn’t just about words—it’s about respect, friendliness, and connection.

Ready to dive in? Let’s start with some casual ways to ask someone’s name in Japanese!

Starting Your Journey: Why It Matters

Knowing how to ask someone’s name is a key step in Japanese conversation.

It helps you break the ice and shows respect. Learning these phrases opens many doors in social and professional settings.

Simple phrases can make a big difference in your confidence.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Asking for names often leads to deeper conversations.

With practice, you’ll naturally pick the right tone and phrase for any situation.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 名前は？ (Namae wa?) — nah-mah-eh wah?

This is the most straightforward casual way to ask “What’s your name?”

“名前 (namae)” means “name,” and “は (wa)” is the topic marker. It’s like saying “As for your name?” in English. It’s short and friendly.

Great for informal chats with people your own age or younger.

Keep it simple and direct when you’re getting to know someone casually.

You can also say “名前は何？” (Namae wa nan?) to mean “What’s your name?” but “名前は？” is quicker and more natural among friends.

It’s a perfect phrase to get started with everyday conversations!

2. お名前は？ (Onamae wa?) — oh-nah-mah-eh wah?

Adding “お (o)” makes it more polite but still casual enough for everyday use.

“お名前” is a respectful way to say “name,” often used when you want to be friendly but not too formal.

It’s easy to remember because “お” is a common polite prefix in Japanese.

Don’t confuse it with overly formal speech; this strikes a nice balance.

Use this when meeting new people in casual settings but want to show some respect.

Try practicing this with friends or classmates to get comfortable with the nuance.

3. 君の名前は？ (Kimi no namae wa?) — kee-mee noh nah-mah-eh wah?

“君 (kimi)” means “you” and is casual but can feel intimate or used among close friends.

“の (no)” is a possessive particle, so this means “your name.” It’s a clear and straightforward question.

Good for close friends or younger people you feel comfortable with.

Be careful not to use “君” with strangers or elders, as it can sound rude or too familiar.

It’s common in anime or casual conversations among peers.

Perfect phrase to use when hanging out with friends or classmates!

4. あなたの名前は？ (Anata no namae wa?) — ah-nah-tah noh nah-mah-eh wah?

“あなた (anata)” means “you” and is a neutral way to say “your.”

“あなたの名前は？” literally means “Your name is?” and works in casual to semi-formal contexts.

It’s polite enough for strangers but can feel a little distant or formal in close friendships.

Avoid overusing “あなた” in Japanese conversations to not sound stiff.

Use it when you want to be polite but clear.

It’s a handy phrase to have when meeting new people respectfully.

5. 名前、何て言うの？ (Namae, nante iu no?) — nah-mah-eh, nahn-teh ee-oo noh?

This phrase means “What do you call yourself?” or simply “What’s your name?” in a casual way.

“何て言うの？” (nante iu no) literally means “what do you say?” which is a natural way to ask for someone’s name among friends.

It’s conversational and feels very natural in everyday speech.

Avoid using it in formal situations.

Great for relaxed settings, especially if you want to sound friendly and approachable.

Use this phrase to practice more natural, native-like conversations.

6. 名前教えて？ (Namae oshiete?) — nah-mah-eh oh-shee-eh-teh?

This means “Tell me your name?” and is very casual and friendly.

“教えて” (oshiete) is the imperative form of “to teach” or “to tell,” making it a direct request.

Perfect for informal conversations with peers or younger people.

Don’t use it in formal situations, as it can sound too blunt.

It’s a great phrase to practice when you want to sound relaxed and approachable.

Try using this with friends to get comfortable with natural Japanese requests.

7. 君の名前は何？ (Kimi no namae wa nan?) — kee-mee noh nah-mah-eh wah nahn?

This is similar to #3 but explicitly adds “何？” (nan) meaning “what.”

It emphasizes the question “What is your name?” and keeps a very casual tone.

Great for friends or people your age.

Again, be cautious with “君” as it can sound too familiar or impolite if used incorrectly.

Often heard in anime or casual speech.

Use this one when you want to sound lively and informal.

8. お名前は何ですか？ (Onamae wa nan desu ka?) — oh-nah-mah-eh wah nahn dess kah?

This is a polite way to ask “What is your name?” with the formal ending “ですか (desu ka)”.

“お名前 (onamae)” adds respect, and “何ですか？” literally means “what is it?”

Good for semi-formal to formal situations.

It’s a great step up for polite conversations but still easy to remember.

Try practicing this phrase when meeting business contacts or elders.

This phrase shows good manners without sounding stiff.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. お名前を教えていただけますか？ (Onamae o oshiete itadakemasu ka?) — oh-nah-mah-eh oh oh-shee-eh-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah?

This is a very polite and formal way to ask “Could you please tell me your name?”

“いただけますか” (itadakemasu ka) is a humble request form, adding strong politeness.

Perfect for official or business situations.

Though long, it’s useful to show respect and professionalism.

Practice this phrase if you’re working in customer service or formal meetings.

It’s a great phrase to impress with your politeness.

10. 失礼ですが、お名前を伺ってもよろしいですか？ (Shitsurei desu ga, onamae o ukagatte mo yoroshii desu ka?) — shee-tsu-reh dess gah, oh-nah-mah-eh oh oo-kah-gah-teh moh yoroh-shee dess kah?

This phrase means “Excuse me, may I ask your name?” and is very polite and formal.

“失礼ですが” (shitsurei desu ga) is an apology for the interruption.

“伺ってもよろしいですか？” (ukagatte mo yoroshii desu ka?) is a polite way to ask permission.

Use this in very formal or respectful situations.

It’s excellent for official introductions or interviews.

Practicing this will help you navigate high-level conversations smoothly.

11. お名前をお聞かせ願えますか？ (Onamae o okikase negaemasu ka?) — oh-nah-mah-eh oh oh-kee-kah-seh neh-gah-eh-mahss kah?

This is another polite way to say “Could you please tell me your name?”

“お願い” (onegai) means “please,” and “聞かせ” (kikase) is a causative form meaning “let me hear.”

Use this when you want to be very courteous and soft in your request.

It’s less common but shows refined politeness.

Great for cultural or formal events where humility is key.

Try this phrase with people you want to show extra respect.

12. どちら様ですか？ (Dochira sama desu ka?) — doh-chee-rah sah-mah dess kah?

This polite phrase means “Who are you?” but is often used to ask for someone’s name indirectly.

“どちら様” (dochira sama) is a very respectful way to say “which person.”

Use this in customer service or formal business situations.

It’s indirect but polite, avoiding a blunt question.

Perfect if you want to sound respectful without being too forward.

Good phrase to know for professional contexts in Japan.

13. お名前を教えていただけませんか？ (Onamae o oshiete itadakemasen ka?) — oh-nah-mah-eh oh oh-shee-eh-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mah-sen kah?

This is the negative question form of #9, meaning “Could you please not tell me your name?” but in a polite way asking for the name.

Using the negative form adds even more politeness and humility.

Very formal and respectful for delicate situations.

Useful for customer service or when meeting high-ranking individuals.

Practice this if you want to sound extra humble and polite.

It’s a subtle but important phrase in formal Japanese.

14. お名前を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか？ (Onamae o ukagatte mo yoroshii deshou ka?) — oh-nah-mah-eh oh oo-kah-gah-teh moh yoroh-shee dessh-oh kah?

This is a softer, more formal version of #10, adding “でしょうか” (deshou ka) for politeness.

Great for interviews or official conversations.

Shows respect and consideration in your question.

Try this phrase when you want to be particularly polite without sounding stiff.

It’s common in business and formal introductions.

Learning this will raise your professional language skills.

15. 失礼ですが、お名前をお聞かせいただけますか？ (Shitsurei desu ga, onamae o okikase itadakemasu ka?) — shee-tsu-reh-ee dess gah, oh-nah-mah-eh oh oh-kee-kah-seh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah?

This very polite phrase combines a respectful apology with a humble request to hear the name.

It’s perfect for very formal occasions or when meeting someone important.

Practice this to master humility and respect in your Japanese.

It’s a great phrase to impress in business or cultural settings.

Use it when you want to show utmost politeness.

Mastering this will elevate your conversational grace.

16. お名前を教えていただければ幸いです。 (Onamae o oshiete itadakereba saiwai desu.) — oh-nah-mah-eh oh oh-shee-eh-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-reh-bah sigh-wah-ee dess.

This formal phrase means “I would be grateful if you could tell me your name.”

It’s often used in written communication or very polite requests.

Great for emails, letters, or formal introductions.

It sounds humble and respectful, perfect for business correspondence.

Try using this in writing to practice formal Japanese.

It’s a beautiful phrase expressing gratitude in advance.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. なまえは？ (Namae wa?) — nah-mah-eh wah?

This is the shortest, most casual way to ask “What’s your name?”

It’s the same as #1 but often used by kids or very close friends.

It’s super informal and relaxed.

Only use with people you know well.

Great for practicing natural, everyday Japanese.

Use this with friends or family for casual conversation.

18. 名前なんて？ (Namae nante?) — nah-mah-eh nahn-teh?

This phrase roughly translates to “What’s your name, anyway?” and is very casual.

“なんて” (nante) adds a casual or slightly playful tone.

Use only with close friends or in playful contexts.

It can sound a bit cheeky or teasing.

Try it in informal situations to sound more native.

It adds personality to your Japanese conversations.

19. 名前なんて言うの？ (Namae nante iu no?) — nah-mah-eh nahn-teh ee-oo noh?

This expands on #18 by adding “What do you call yourself?”

It’s casual and friendly, often heard among young people.

Good for informal conversations and making friends.

Be mindful of tone to keep it light and fun.

It’s great for sounding more like a native speaker.

Perfect for relaxed social gatherings.

20. 名前は？ (Namae wa?) with a rising tone — nah-mah-eh wah?

Simply adding a rising intonation can make this phrase sound more curious or surprised.

This is a natural way to ask and shows interest.

Use tone to communicate emotion and friendliness.

It’s a small change but makes a big difference.

Great for sounding spontaneous and engaging.

Try this to practice tone and expression in Japanese.

21. 名前教えて！ (Namae oshiete!) — nah-mah-eh oh-shee-eh-teh!

This is a cheerful, direct request meaning “Tell me your name!”

It’s informal and friendly, used among close friends.

Exclamation adds enthusiasm and warmth.

Perfect for casual, lively conversations.

Use it to sound approachable and excited.

It’s a fun way to practice energetic Japanese.

22. あんた、名前は？ (Anta, namae wa?) — ahn-tah, nah-mah-eh wah?

“あんた” (anta) means “you” but is very informal and can sound rough.

This is a casual and sometimes blunt way to ask someone’s name.

Use only with close friends or in playful teasing.

Avoid in polite or formal situations.

Good for practicing very casual, native-like speech.

It adds a bit of character and personality.

23. なんて名前？ (Nante namae?) — nahn-teh nah-mah-eh?

This is a shortened, playful way to say “What’s your name?”

It’s casual and often used among young people.

Great for informal chats and sounding native.

Be careful not to sound rude with tone.

Try it with friends to practice casual Japanese.

It’s simple and expressive.

24. 名前どうするの？ (Namae dousuru no?) — nah-mah-eh doh-soo-roo noh?

This literally means “What will you do about your name?” but is a quirky, casual way to ask “What’s your name?”

It’s playful and informal, used among close friends.

Shows personality and humor in conversation.

Great for advanced learners looking for native-like expressions.

Use it carefully to match the mood.

It’s a fun phrase to add to your Japanese toolkit.

Concluding Thought

Asking someone’s name is the gateway to deeper connections in any language, and Japanese is no exception.

With these 24 phrases, you’ve got a full spectrum—from casual to formal, and even playful native expressions—to choose from.

Keep practicing, listen to native speakers, and don’t be afraid to try these out. Your confidence will grow, and so will your friendships!