How to Ask Someone's Name in French: Formal and Informal Phrases
Learn to ask 'What's your name?' in French using formal and informal phrases, with pronunciation and politeness tips.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
Asking someone's name is often the first step in a conversation. In French, the way you ask depends on how well you know the person and the level of politeness required. This lesson teaches you the key phrases for both formal and informal situations, so you can greet anyone appropriately. You'll learn the difference between 'Comment tu t'appelles ?' and 'Comment vous appelez-vous ?', and when to use each. We'll also cover a very polite option, 'Puis-je demander votre nom ?', and explain the grammar behind these questions. By the end, you'll be able to ask for someone's name confidently and respectfully.
By the end, you can…
- ask someone's name informally using 'Comment tu t'appelles ?'
- ask someone's name formally using 'Comment vous appelez-vous ?'
- use the very polite phrase 'Puis-je demander votre nom ?'
- choose the right level of politeness based on the situation
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Comment tu t'appelles ?
What's your name? (informal)
koh-mahn tew tah-pell
Use with friends, family, children, or people your age in casual settings. The 'tu' form is informal.
Comment vous appelez-vous ?
What's your name? (formal)
koh-mahn voo zah-play-voo
Use with strangers, elders, superiors, or in professional contexts. The 'vous' form is formal or plural.
Puis-je demander votre nom ?
May I ask your name?
pweezh duh-mahn-day votr nohn
Very polite and formal. Use in highly formal situations or when you want to be especially courteous.
Quel est ton nom ?
What is your name? (informal)
kel ay tohn nohn
Informal alternative, slightly more direct. Use with people you know well.
Quel est votre nom ?
What is your name? (formal)
kel ay votr nohn
Formal alternative. Common in written forms or when checking identity.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
French questions about names often use reflexive verbs. 'Tu t'appelles' and 'vous vous appelez' come from the verb 's'appeler' (to call oneself). Literally, they mean 'How do you call yourself?' The reflexive pronoun changes with the subject: 'tu te' becomes 'tu t'' before a vowel, and 'vous vous' stays the same. For example: 'Comment tu t'appelles ?' (informal) and 'Comment vous vous appelez ?' (formal). In formal questions, you can also invert the order: 'Comment vous appelez-vous ?' The inversion adds a touch of formality. Another pattern uses 'Quel est ton/votre nom ?' where 'ton' is informal and 'votre' is formal. Remember that 'nom' can mean both first name and last name; for first name specifically, say 'prénom'.
When to use it
Choosing between informal and formal depends on social distance, age, and context. Use 'tu' (informal) with friends, family, peers, and children. Use 'vous' (formal) with strangers, older people, authority figures, and in professional settings. If you're unsure, start with 'vous'—it's safer and shows respect. The phrase 'Puis-je demander votre nom ?' is extremely polite and often used in very formal situations, such as meeting a dignitary or in a business meeting. For everyday formal situations, 'Comment vous appelez-vous ?' is perfectly appropriate. In informal settings, 'Comment tu t'appelles ?' is the most common. Note that in some regions, like Quebec, informal 'tu' is used more quickly, but the formal 'vous' is still standard for strangers.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, comment vous appelez-vous ?
Hello, what's your name? (formal)bohn-zhoor, koh-mahn voo zah-play-vooJe m'appelle Marie. Et vous ?
My name is Marie. And you?zhuh mah-pell mah-ree. ay vooJe m'appelle Paul. Enchanté.
My name is Paul. Nice to meet you.zhuh mah-pell pole. ahn-shahn-tayEnchantée. Puis-je demander votre nom de famille ?
Nice to meet you. May I ask your last name?ahn-shahn-tay. pweezh duh-mahn-day votr nohn duh fah-meeA little context goes a long way
In French-speaking cultures, politeness is often shown through language choice. Using 'vous' with a stranger is expected, while switching to 'tu' usually requires an invitation, such as 'On peut se tutoyer ?' (Can we use 'tu' with each other?). In business or formal contexts, always use 'vous' until the other person suggests otherwise. In Quebec, informal 'tu' is common even with new acquaintances in casual settings, but 'vous' remains standard in formal situations. Avoid using first names without permission in formal contexts; wait for the other person to offer their name or suggest informality.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Comment tu t'appelles ?' with someone you've just met in a formal setting, like a job interview or with an elderly person.
Try this instead: Use the formal 'Comment vous appelez-vous ?' or 'Puis-je demander votre nom ?' instead. For example, say 'Bonjour, comment vous appelez-vous ?' when meeting a new colleague. If you're unsure, always start with 'vous'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you ask a new colleague's name in a formal way?
Show a sample answer
Comment vous appelez-vous ?
This uses the formal 'vous' form, appropriate for a professional setting. 'Puis-je demander votre nom ?' is also correct and even more polite.
2What is the informal way to ask a friend's name?
Show a sample answer
Comment tu t'appelles ?
This uses the informal 'tu' form, suitable for friends or peers. 'Quel est ton nom ?' is also acceptable but slightly more direct.
3Which phrase would you use to ask a dignitary's name very politely?
Show a sample answer
Puis-je demander votre nom ?
This is the most polite and formal option, showing great respect. It's appropriate for highly formal situations.
Use 'Comment tu t'appelles ?' with friends and 'Comment vous appelez-vous ?' with strangers or in formal situations. For extra politeness, say 'Puis-je demander votre nom ?'. When in doubt, use 'vous'.
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