How to Ask “What’s Your Name?” in Korean: A Guide for Language Learners
When meeting someone new in Korea,
knowing how to ask “What’s your name?” in Korean is essential.
Just like in English, asking for someone’s name
in Korean varies depending on the
level of formality and familiarity with the person.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to ask
“What’s your name?” 이름이 뭐예요? (Ireumi Mwoyeyo?) in different contexts and
why choosing the right phrase is important.
The Standard Phrase: 이름이 뭐예요?
(Ireumi Mwoyeyo?)
The most common and polite way to ask
“What’s your name?” in Korean is 이름이 뭐예요? (ireumi mwoyeyo?).
This phrase is suitable for most situations
where you want to be polite but not overly
formal, making it perfect for everyday use.
Breaking Down the Phrase
이름 (ireum) means “name.”
이 (i) is a subject marker that shows what the
sentence is talking about.
뭐예요 (mwoyeyo) means “what is,” in a polite form.
Usage:
이름이 뭐예요? 이름이 뭐예요? (Ireumi Mwoyeyo?) is great when meeting people around
your age or in semi-formal settings.
Suitable for polite conversations with acquaintances or
people you’ve just met.
Formal Version: 성함이 어떻게 되세요? (Seonghami Eotteoke Doeseyo?)
For more formal situations, such as addressing an elder,
superior, or someone in a professional setting,
you would use 성함이 어떻게 되세요? (seonghami eotteoke doeseyo?).
This phrase shows extra respect and is commonly
used in professional or formal social contexts.
Breaking Down the Phrase
성함 (seongham) is the formal word for “name,”
used to show respect.
이 (i) is a subject marker.
어떻게 되세요 (eotteoke doeseyo) means “what is” or
“how is it,” but in an honorific form that shows respect.
Usage:
Use 성함이 어떻게 되세요? (seonghami eotteoke doeseyo?)
when speaking with elders,
bosses, or people you need to show respect to.
This phrase is suitable in workplaces, formal events, or
when meeting someone of high status.
Casual Version: 이름이 뭐야?
(Ireumi Mwoya?)
In informal settings with close friends, family members, or children,
you can use 이름이 뭐야? (ireumi mwoya?).
This casual form is appropriate only with people you’re comfortable
with and who are of the same age or younger.
Usage:
이름이 뭐야? (ireumi mwoya?) is best used with people you know well
or who are close friends.
Suitable for relaxed situations where formal speech isn’t required.
Tips for Remembering
Here are some quick tips to remember the different forms:
Use 이름이 뭐예요? (ireumi mwoyeyo?).
as a general, polite way to ask for someone’s name.
Use 성함이 어떻게 되세요? (seonghami eotteoke doeseyo?) in formal
or respectful settings.
Use 이름이 뭐야? (ireumi mwoya?) only with people you’re close to,
or in relaxed situations.
Practicing Name Introductions
To further your Korean skills, try pairing your question with an
introduction of your own name:
“저는 [Your Name]이에요” (jeoneun [your name] ieyo) means “I am [Your Name].”
For example, you can say:
“이름이 뭐예요? 저는 Alex이에요.” (Ireumi mwoyeyo? Jeoneun Alex-ieyo)
meaning “What’s your name? I’m Alex.”
Conclusion
Learning how to ask “What’s your name?”
in Korean is an important part of building
relationships and speaking respectfully.
By choosing the right level of formality—
whether 이름이 뭐예요?, (ireumi mwoyeyo?)
성함이 어떻게 되세요?, (seonghami eotteoke doeseyo?) or
이름이 뭐야? (ireumi mwoya?)
you’ll make a positive impression and
show cultural awareness.
Practice using these phrases, and enjoy
meeting new people in Korean!
