Embarking on the journey of learning a new language, the initial lesson always includes basic topics in English communication, such as greetings, expressions of gratitude, apologies, and introducing oneself by name. This article by Mytour introduces you to the art of asking and responding to names in English.
What does it mean to ask for a name in English?
Mastering the Art of Inquiring and Responding: What's Your Name?
The most common way to inquire about names in English is to use the question 'What's your name?' (What is your name?). However, native speakers often opt for more polite and indirect approaches when asking about names in English.
Usually, after introducing oneself, if you want to ask the other person's name, you can simply add the phrase 'And You?'. Alternatively, in case you forget someone's name, you can use the phrase: 'Sorry! What was your name again?'.
In addition, you can use other common questions to inquire about names in English, such as:
1. What is your name?
(What is your name?).
Answer: I go by Anh (I am named Anh).
(What is your full name?)
Answer: My complete name is Duong Duy Anh (My full name is Dương Duy Anh).
3. What is your first name?
(What is your first name?)
Answer: I go by Anh (I am named Anh).
4. What is your last name?
(What is your last name?)
Answer: My family name is Duong (My last name is Dương).
5. Greetings, I'm Xuan, and you?
(Hello, I'm Xuan, and how about you?)
6. Excuse me, can you remind me of your name?
(Sorry, What was your name again?)
7. Is it correct that your name is....?
(Your name is...right?)
8. How may I address you? (How do I call you?)
1. Understanding First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name:
- Full Name: Complete name (including First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name)
- First Name (Given name or Forename): The given name, sometimes includes the middle name
- Middle Name: Middle name
- Last Name/Family Name/Surname: The family name, sometimes includes the middle name
For foreign names, the order is typically Given name => Middle name => Family name
Example:
- Full name is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, then Given name (Elizabeth), Middle name (Alexandra Mary), and Family name (Windsor)
- Full name is Donald John Trump, then Given name (Donald), Middle name (John), and Family name (Trump).
For Vietnamese names, the order is Family name => Middle name => Given name
Example:
- Full name is Nguyễn Thị Bích Ngọc, then Given name is Ngọc, Middle name is Thị Bích, and Family name is Nguyễn.
- Full name is Trần Huy Minh, then Given name is Minh, Middle name is Huy, and Family name is Trần.
To facilitate smooth communication in English when meeting someone for the first time, readers should be familiar with basic ways of asking names. Pronunciation is key for effective communication. The provided examples are the simplest ways to ask for names in English. Once you grasp how to respond, you won't feel awkward when interacting with people from other countries.
Questions about the weather in English are commonly encountered in English conversations. In addition to asking names and surnames, if you wish to inquire about the weather, you can use the question structure in English: What's the weather like in + location. Alongside asking names in English, readers should also pay attention to how to ask about age in English and how to respond based on different age groups.
Curious about the meaning of 'Happy Ending'? If you're wondering about this term, you can refer to the previous article shared by Mytour.
- Explore more: What is HAPPY ENDING