你的名字
nǐ de míng zì
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?).
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 míng zìyour name (polite/formal)
- 你叫什么名字nǐ jiào shén me míng zìWhat's your name? (common full question)
- 您贵姓nín guì xìngWhat's your honorable surname? (very polite)
Examples
你的名字是什么？
nǐ de míng zì shì shén me ？
What is your name?
请问，您的名字是？
qǐng wèn ， nín de míng zì shì ？
Excuse me, what is your name? (polite)
我不知道你的名字。
wǒ bù zhī dào nǐ de míng zì 。
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
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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