你的名字
nǐ de míngzi
Your name
你的名字 (nǐ de míngzi) literally means “your name.” It's commonly used when asking someone for their name, often as part of the full question “你叫什么名字?” (What's your name?).
What does 你的名字 (nǐ de míngzi) mean?
你的名字 (nǐ de míngzi) means “your name” in English.
When to use it
Neutral. For a more polite or formal context, especially when addressing elders or superiors, use 您的名字 (nín de míngzi). The most common way to ask "What's your name?" is 你叫什么名字？ For a very formal and respectful way to ask someone's surname, use 您贵姓？
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “nee-duh-MING-zuh.” The 的 (de) and 子 (zi) are usually pronounced with a light, neutral tone. The first syllable 你 (nǐ) is a third tone, and 名 (míng) is a second tone.
Other ways to say it
- 您的名字nín de míngziyour name (polite/formal)
- 你叫什么名字nǐ jiào shénme míngziWhat's your name? (common full question)
- 您贵姓nín guìxìngWhat's your honorable surname? (very polite)
Examples
你叫什么名字？
nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?
What is your name?
请问，您叫什么名字？
qǐngwèn, nín jiào shénme míngzi?
Excuse me, what is your name? (polite)
我不知道你的名字。
wǒ bù zhīdào nǐ de míngzi.
I don't know your name.
Pro tip: While 你的名字 means "your name," it's rarely used alone. It's most often part of the common question "你叫什么名字?" (What's your name?) or "你的名字是什么?" (What is your name?). Remember that 的 and 子 are usually neutral tones.
Related phrases
布兰登 · Brandon布鲁克林 · Brooklyn
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