What’s Your Name in Spanish? Phrases to Know Someone

Learning Spanish greetings and basic Spanish phrases is the first step toward confident communication. Asking someone’s name is one of the most important introduction phrases in Spanish you’ll ever use. Whether you’re traveling, meeting new people, or simply exploring the language, knowing how to introduce yourself matters. 

These Spanish conversation starters help you connect quickly and leave a lasting impression. Mastering them shows respect for the culture and builds trust instantly. Spanish for beginners starts here, with simple, friendly phrases that open doors to real conversations and meaningful relationships.

¿Cómo te llamas?

¿Cómo te llamas? is the most popular way to ask someone’s name in informal Spanish. This phrase uses the verb llamarse (to be called) and literally means “How do you call yourself?” It’s perfect for meeting new people in Spanish in casual settings like parties, classrooms, or cafes. 

You respond with “Me llamo [name]” or simply “Soy [name].” The Spanish pronunciation guide helps: say KOH-moh teh YAH-mahs. This is one of the essential travel Spanish phrases and everyday Spanish conversation starters that everyone learns first.

• This means “What is your name?” in informal settings
• Literal translation: “How do you call yourself?”
• Used with friends, family, children, and peers
• Response: “Me llamo [name]” (My name is…)
• Also acceptable: “Soy [name]” (I am…)
• “Te” is the informal Spanish pronoun (you)
• “Llamas” comes from the verb llamarse (to be called)
• Pronunciation: KOH-moh teh YAH-mahs
• First phrase taught in Spanish for beginners classes
• Used throughout Latin American vs Spain Spanish regions
• Alternative: “¿Cómo te llaman?” (What do they call you?)
• Regional variations exist but universally understood
• Can be shortened to “¿Tu nombre?” in very casual settings
• When meeting new people in Spanish your age or younger, this fits perfectly
• Shows friendliness and approachability
• Common follow-up: “¿Y tú?” (And you?)
• Essential for self-introduction in Spanish
• Used in both Spain and Latin America
• Polite but informal tone
• Perfect for social gatherings and making new friends

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¿Cuál es tu nombre?

¿Cuál es tu nombre? means “What is your name?” and offers a slightly more direct approach than ¿Cómo te llamas? The word “cuál” means “which” or “what,” and “tu” is the informal Spanish pronoun for “your.” While still casual, this phrase sounds more straightforward and clear. You answer with “Mi nombre es [name].” 

It’s useful in noisy environments or when filling out forms. Spanish verb conjugation here is simple: “es” comes from ser (to be). Pronunciation is KWAHL ehs too NOHM-breh. Both this and ¿Cómo te llamas? are correct, but regional preferences vary across Latin American vs Spain Spanish usage.

• This means “What is your name?” (slightly more direct)
• Literal translation: “Which is your name?”
• “Cuál” means “which” or “what” (from a selection)
• Still informal because of Spanish pronouns like “tu” (your, informal)
• Less common than ¿Cómo te llamas? in everyday speech
• Response: “Mi nombre es [name]” (My name is…)
• Pronunciation: KWAHL ehs too NOHM-breh
• More direct and straightforward approach
• Used when asking someone to state their name clearly
• Common in forms, registrations, or official but casual settings
• The formal version would be “¿Cuál es su nombre?”
• Understanding informal vs formal Spanish helps: “tu” vs “su” determines formality
• Both ¿Cómo te llamas? and this are correct
• Regional preferences vary, some areas prefer one over the other
• Can sound slightly more businesslike even when informal
• Useful when you need clarity or are in a noisy environment
• Often used when filling out information
• Grammatically interchangeable with ¿Cómo te llamas? in most contexts
• Good for situations requiring precision
• Native speakers understand and use both versions

¿Cuántos años tienes?

¿Cuántos años tienes? means “How old are you?” and uses the verb tener (to have) instead of “to be.” In Spanish, you “have” years rather than “are” a certain age. You respond with “Tengo [number] años” (I have/am [number] years old). 

This is a common Spanish conversation starter for meeting new people in Spanish, especially in friendly settings. The informal vs formal Spanish distinction matters: use “¿Cuántos años tiene usted?” in formal situations. Spanish verb conjugation is key, “tienes” is the informal “you” form of tener. Pronunciation: KWAN-tohs AH-nyohs tee-EH-nehs. Never say “Soy veinticinco años”, always use tener for age.

• This means “How old are you?” (informal)
• Literal translation: “How many years do you have?”
• Spanish uses “to have” (tener) for age, not “to be”
• Response: “Tengo [number] años” (I have/am [number] years old)
• “Cuántos” means “how many”
• “Años” means “years”
• “Tienes” is from tener (to have), informal you form
• Pronunciation: KWAN-tohs AH-nyohs tee-EH-nehs
• Used with friends, peers, children
• Formal version: “¿Cuántos años tiene?” or “¿Cuántos años tiene usted?”
• Common conversation starter, especially with new acquaintances
• In some cultures, asking age can be sensitive, read the room
• Example response: “Tengo veinticinco años” (I’m 25 years old)
• The verb tener is key to expressing age in Spanish for beginners
• Never say “Soy veinticinco años”, this is incorrect
• Can also ask: “¿Qué edad tienes?” (What age do you have?)
• Children are often asked this question
• Follow-up: “¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños?” (When is your birthday?)
• Important cultural norms when introducing yourself: age expression differs from English
• Essential for basic Spanish phrases and conversation skills

¿De dónde eres?

¿De dónde eres? asks “Where are you from?” and helps you learn about someone’s background and origins. The phrase uses the verb ser (to be) and Spanish pronouns: “eres” is the informal “you” form. You respond with “Soy de [place]” (I’m from…). 

Ser pronunciation is essential for clarity: deh DOHN-deh EH-rehs. This question is perfect for travel Spanish phrases and building connections through everyday Spanish conversation. The formal version uses “¿De dónde es usted?” when speaking respectfully. You can follow up with “¿Dónde vives ahora?” (Where do you live now?) to continue the conversation naturally.

• This means “Where are you from?” (informal)
• Asking someone’s name in Spanish often leads to asking about origin
• “De dónde” means “from where”
• “Eres” is from ser (to be), informal you form
• Response: “Soy de [place]” (I’m from…)
• Ser pronunciation: deh DOHN-deh EH-rehs
• Used to learn about someone’s background
• Formal version: “¿De dónde es?” or “¿De dónde es usted?”
• Common question when meeting new people in Spanish
• Can refer to birth country, city, or current residence depending on context
• Example response: “Soy de México” (I’m from Mexico)
• Can also say: “Soy mexicano/mexicana” (I’m Mexican)
• Follow-up question: “¿Dónde vives ahora?” (Where do you live now?)
• Shows interest in someone’s cultural background
• Important for building connections and understanding identity
• Alternative phrasing: “¿De qué país eres?” (What country are you from?)
• Or “¿De qué ciudad eres?” (What city are you from?)
• Useful for travelers and international settings
• Helps establish common ground in Spanish conversation starters
• Essential for basic Spanish phrases and introduction phrases in Spanish

¿Tienes hermanos o hermanas?

¿Tienes hermanos o hermanas? means “Do you have brothers or sisters?” and uses the verb tener (to have). This is a natural follow-up after self-introduction in Spanish and helps you understand someone’s family structure. You can respond with “Sí, tengo [number] hermanos” (Yes, I have [#] siblings) or “No, soy hijo único/hija única” (No, I’m an only child).

The word “hermanos” can mean brothers specifically or siblings in general. Spanish verb conjugation matters here: “tienes” is the informal “you” form of tener. Pronunciation: tee-EH-nehs ehr-MAH-nohs oh ehr-MAH-nahs. Family is central in Hispanic culture, making this a common conversation starter.

• This means “Do you have brothers or sisters?” (informal)
• Asking about siblings and family structure
• “Tienes” is from tener (to have)
• “Hermanos” means brothers (or siblings in general)
• “Hermanas” means sisters
• Pronunciation: tee-EH-nehs ehr-MAH-nohs oh ehr-MAH-nahs
• Response: “Sí, tengo [number] hermanos” (Yes, I have [#] siblings)
• Or: “No, soy hijo único/hija única” (No, I’m an only child)
• “Hermanos” can mean both brothers and siblings collectively
• To be specific: “Tengo dos hermanos y una hermana” (I have two brothers and one sister)
• Formal version: “¿Tiene hermanos o hermanas?”
• Common question to learn about family background
• Can also ask: “¿Cuántos hermanos tienes?” (How many siblings do you have?)
• Simplified version: “¿Tienes hermanos?” (covers all siblings)
• Family is important in Hispanic cultural norms when introducing yourself
• Follow-up: “¿Eres el mayor/menor?” (Are you the oldest/youngest?)
• Or: “¿Cómo se llaman?” (What are their names?)
• Vocabulary: “hermano mayor” (older brother), “hermana menor” (younger sister)
• Shows interest in personal life and family connections
• Essential for everyday Spanish conversation beyond surface level

¿Qué te gusta hacer?

¿Qué te gusta hacer? means “What do you like to do?” and is perfect for discovering common interests when meeting new people in Spanish. The phrase literally means “What pleases you to do?” You respond with “Me gusta [activity]” (I like to…). For example: “Me gusta leer” (I like to read) or “Me gusta jugar fútbol” (I like to play soccer). This is one of the most useful Spanish conversation starters for building real connections. 

Spanish verb conjugation here involves “gusta” (it pleases) and infinitive verbs like “hacer” (to do). Pronunciation: keh teh GOO-stah ah-SEHR. The formal version is “¿Qué le gusta hacer?” Popular responses include bailar (dance), cocinar (cook), viajar (travel).

• This means “What do you like to do?” (informal)
• Asking about someone’s interests and favorite activities
• “Qué” means “what”
• “Te gusta” means “you like” (literally: it pleases you)
• “Hacer” means “to do”
• Pronunciation: keh teh GOO-stah ah-SEHR
• Response: “Me gusta [activity]” (I like to…)
• Example: “Me gusta leer” (I like to read)
• Or: “Me gusta jugar fútbol” (I like to play soccer)
• For multiple things: “Me gusta leer y escuchar música” (I like to read and listen to music)
• Formal version: “¿Qué le gusta hacer?”
• Great conversation starter to find common interests
• Common responses: bailar (dance), cocinar (cook), viajar (travel)
• Can also say: “Me encanta…” (I love…)
• Shows genuine interest in someone’s personality
• Follow-up: “¿Por qué te gusta?” (Why do you like it?)
• Used in casual social settings and self-introduction in Spanish
• Alternative: “¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?” (What do you like to do in your free time?)
• Helps discover shared hobbies and interests
• Essential for building deeper connections beyond basic Spanish phrases

¿Cuáles son tus hobbies?

¿Cuáles son tus hobbies? directly asks “What are your hobbies?” using the English loanword “hobbies,” which is widely understood across Latin American vs Spain Spanish regions. You can also use the Spanish word “pasatiempos” for a fully native phrase. You respond with “Mis hobbies son…” (My hobbies are…) or “Me gusta…” (I like…). 

Common hobbies include pintar (painting), nadar (swimming), fotografía (photography). Pronunciation: KWAH-lehs sohn toos HOH-bees. The formal version is “¿Cuáles son sus hobbies?” This question is more direct than ¿Qué te gusta hacer? and perfect for Spanish conversation starters in job interviews, dating, or social introductions. Spanish pronouns matter: “tus” (your, informal) versus “sus” (your, formal).

• This means “What are your hobbies?” (informal)
• Direct way to ask about leisure activities and interests
• “Cuáles” means “which ones” or “what” (plural)
• “Son” means “are”
• “Tus” means “your” (informal Spanish pronoun)
• “Hobbies” is borrowed from English, same pronunciation
• Pronunciation: KWAH-lehs sohn toos HOH-bees
• Response: “Mis hobbies son…” (My hobbies are…)
• Alternative response: “Me gusta…” (I like…)
• Can also use Spanish word: “pasatiempos” instead of “hobbies”
• Full Spanish version: “¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos?”
• Common hobbies: pintar (painting), nadar (swimming), fotografía (photography)
• Example: “Mis hobbies son leer y tocar guitarra” (My hobbies are reading and playing guitar)
• Formal version: “¿Cuáles son sus hobbies?”
• More direct than ¿Qué te gusta hacer?
• English loanword “hobbies” is widely understood across Spanish greetings and conversations
• Can list multiple: “el fútbol, el cine, y la cocina” (soccer, movies, and cooking)
• Shows interest in how someone spends their leisure time
• Common in job interviews, dating, and social introductions
• Follow-up: “¿Desde cuándo te gusta?” (Since when have you liked it?)

¿A qué te dedicas?

¿A qué te dedicas? means “What do you do (for a living)?” and is a polite way to ask about someone’s profession or main focus. The verb “dedicarse” means “to dedicate oneself,” making the literal translation “What do you dedicate yourself to?” You respond with “Soy [profession]” (I’m a…), “Trabajo como [job]” (I work as…), or “Me dedico a [field]” (I dedicate myself to…). Spanish verb conjugation is important: “dedicas” is the informal “you” form.

Pronunciation: ah keh teh deh-dee-KAHS. The formal version uses “¿A qué se dedica?” This is more polite than directly asking “¿Qué trabajo tienes?” and essential for professional Spanish conversation starters. Students might say “Estudio [subject]” (I study…).

• This means “What do you do (for a living)?” (informal)
• Asking about someone’s profession or occupation
• “A qué” means “to what”
• “Te dedicas” is from “dedicarse” (to dedicate oneself)
• Literal translation: “What do you dedicate yourself to?”
• Pronunciation: ah keh teh deh-dee-KAHS
• Response: “Soy [profession]” (I’m a…)
• Or: “Trabajo como [job]” (I work as…)
• Or: “Me dedico a [field]” (I dedicate myself to…)
• Example: “Soy profesor” (I’m a teacher)
• Or: “Trabajo en marketing” (I work in marketing)
• Formal version: “¿A qué se dedica?”
• More polite than directly asking “¿Qué trabajo tienes?”
• For students: “Estudio [subject]” (I study…)
• Common professions: médico (doctor), ingeniero (engineer), abogado (lawyer)
• Can also mean asking about main focus, not just paid work
• Alternative: “¿En qué trabajas?” (What do you work in?)
• Or: “¿Cuál es tu profesión?” (What is your profession?)
• Standard question in professional networking and meeting new people in Spanish
• Shows interest in someone’s career path and daily life

¿Qué haces?

¿Qué haces? is one of the most versatile Spanish conversation starters and can mean “What do you do?” or “What are you doing?” depending on context. As a present tense question, it asks what you’re doing right now, you respond with “Estoy [activity]” (I’m…). As a general question, it asks about your occupation, you respond with “Trabajo en…” (I work in…). 

Spanish verb conjugation is simple: “haces” comes from “hacer” (to do), informal you form. Pronunciation: keh AH-sehs. The formal version is “¿Qué hace?” This phrase is essential for everyday Spanish conversation and travel Spanish phrases. You can also use it when calling or texting someone as a casual greeting similar to “What’s up?”

• This means “What do you do?” or “What are you doing?” (informal)
• Can ask about current activity OR general occupation, context-dependent
• “Qué” means “what”
• “Haces” is from “hacer” (to do), informal you form
• Pronunciation: keh AH-sehs
• Present tense interpretation: “What are you doing right now?”
• Response: “Estoy [activity]” (I’m…)
• Example: “Estoy estudiando” (I’m studying)
• General occupation interpretation: “What do you do (for work)?”
• Response: “Trabajo en…” (I work in…)
• Formal version: “¿Qué hace?”
• Very common, versatile question in Spanish for beginners
• Can mean: What’s your job, what are you up to, what do you study
• Context determines exact meaning
• Casual greeting alternative: similar to “What’s up?”
• More specific than ¿Qué tal?
• Can be used when you call/text someone: “¿Qué haces?”
• Response for free time: “Nada, viendo tele” (Nothing, watching TV)
• Short and versatile, one of most useful basic Spanish phrases
• Can initiate plans: “¿Qué haces esta noche?” (What are you doing tonight?)

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¿Qué tal?

¿Qué tal? is one of the most common Spanish greetings meaning “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” This idiomatic phrase works in both informal vs formal Spanish contexts and is universally understood across Latin American vs Spain Spanish regions. 

You respond with “Bien, ¿y tú?” (Good, and you?), “Todo bien” (All good), “Más o menos” (So-so), or “Muy bien, gracias” (Very well, thanks). Pronunciation: keh TAHL. While similar to “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?), ¿Qué tal? feels slightly more casual in some regions.

It’s perfect for travel Spanish phrases, text messages, phone calls, and in-person meetings. You can combine it with other Spanish greetings: “¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?” (Hello! How’s it going?). This is one of the first phrases Spanish for beginners should master.

• This means “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” (informal)
• One of the most common casual Spanish greetings
• “Qué” means “what”
• “Tal” means “such” but together they form a greeting
• Literal translation doesn’t capture full meaning, it’s idiomatic
• Pronunciation: keh TAHL
• Response: “Bien, ¿y tú?” (Good, and you?)
• Or: “Todo bien” (All good)
• Or: “Más o menos” (So-so)
• Or: “Muy bien, gracias” (Very well, thanks)
• Works in both informal vs formal Spanish contexts
• Can also be: “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?)
• More casual than “¿Cómo estás?” in some regions
• Used as greeting when seeing someone or starting conversation starters
• Can be combined: “¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?” (Hello! How’s it going?)
• Universally understood across Latin American vs Spain Spanish usage
• Perfect for travel Spanish phrases, text messages, phone calls, in-person meetings
• Shows friendliness and interest in someone’s wellbeing
• Can also ask about specific things: “¿Qué tal el trabajo?” (How’s work?)
• Essential for everyday Spanish conversation and meeting new people in Spanish

Phrase	Meaning	Usage	Response
¿Cómo te llamas?	What’s your name?	Informal	Me llamo [name]
¿Cuál es tu nombre?	What is your name?	Informal/Direct	Mi nombre es [name]
¿Cuántos años tienes?	How old are you?	Informal	Tengo [#] años
¿De dónde eres?	Where are you from?	Informal	Soy de [place]
¿Tienes hermanos?	Do you have siblings?	Informal	Sí/No, tengo [#] hermanos
¿Qué te gusta hacer?	What do you like to do?	Informal	Me gusta [activity]
¿Cuáles son tus hobbies?	What are your hobbies?	Informal	Mis hobbies son [hobbies]
¿A qué te dedicas?	What do you do?	Informal	Soy [profession]
¿Qué haces?	What are you doing?	Informal	Estoy [activity]
¿Qué tal?	How’s it going?	Casual	Bien, ¿y tú?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you say “What’s your name” in Spanish?

You say “¿Cómo te llamas?” which is the most common introduction phrase in Spanish for informal situations. It literally means “How do you call yourself?”

What is the formal way to ask someone’s name in Spanish?

Use “¿Cómo se llama usted?” when speaking politely or formally. Understanding informal vs formal Spanish helps you show proper respect in different social situations.

How do you reply to “¿Cómo te llamas?” in Spanish?

You can reply “Me llamo [your name]” which means “My name is [your name].” This is essential for self-introduction in Spanish and meeting new people in Spanish.

What does “¿Cuál es tu nombre?” mean in English?

It means “What is your name?” and is another way to ask politely. It’s slightly more direct than ¿Cómo te llamas? but still one of the essential basic Spanish phrases.

Is “¿Cómo te llamas?” used in Spain and Latin America?

Yes, it’s commonly used across both Spain and Latin America. There are minor regional variations, but this phrase is universally understood as a Spanish greeting for introductions.

How do kids say “What’s your name” in Spanish?

Kids usually say “¿Cómo te llamas?” in a friendly and casual tone. It’s one of the first Spanish conversation starters children learn.

Can I say “Tu nombre?” to ask someone’s name?

Yes, but it’s very informal and abrupt. It’s better to say “¿Cuál es tu nombre?” for a more complete and polite question in everyday Spanish conversation.

What’s the difference between “¿Cómo te llamas?” and “¿Cuál es tu nombre?”

Both mean the same, but “¿Cómo te llamas?” sounds more natural in conversation. It uses the reflexive verb llamarse, which is the standard way Spanish speakers introduce themselves.

How do you introduce yourself after asking someone’s name?

Say “Me llamo [your name]. ¿Y tú?” which means “My name is [your name]. And you?” This follows cultural norms when introducing yourself in Spanish-speaking countries.

Why should I learn “What’s your name” in Spanish?

It’s a polite and friendly way to start conversations and make new friends. Mastering introduction phrases in Spanish opens doors to deeper connections and shows respect for the language and culture.

Conclusion

Learning how to say “What’s your name?” in Spanish is a simple but powerful skill that transforms how you connect with Spanish speakers. Phrases like ¿Cómo te llamas? and ¿Cuál es tu nombre? are essential basic Spanish phrases that open doors to meaningful conversations and lasting friendships.

Whether you’re traveling, studying, or simply curious about the language, these introduction phrases in Spanish help you make great first impressions. Understanding informal vs formal Spanish and mastering Spanish verb conjugation for verbs like llamarse, ser, and tener builds your confidence. 

These Spanish conversation starters show respect, create warmth, and establish trust quickly. With practice, you’ll sound natural and confident when meeting new people in Spanish, turning simple introductions into real connections that enrich your life and cultural understanding.