What's your name?

Meaning: This is a way to ask someone to tell you their name.

Choice of Words: What's is a contraction of the words "what is". Your is a possessive adjective that refers to the person being spoken to. Name is a noun that refers to the person's identity or the words used to identify them. When you put them together, "What's your name?" is a question asking someone to tell you their name.

Alternative Expressions

What's your name?

Meaning: This means to ask someone to tell you their name. It's like saying, "Tell me your name, please."

Choice of Words: The word "What's" is a contraction of the words "What" and "is". "Your" is a possessive adjective that indicates something belongs to you. "Name" is a noun that refers to the words or sounds that identify a person, place, or thing. When you put these words together, "What's your name?" is a question asking for the identity of the person being addressed.

Can you tell me your name?

Meaning: This means to ask someone to tell you their name in a polite way. It's like saying, "Would you be able to tell me your name, please?"

Choice of Words: The word "Can" is a modal verb that indicates ability or permission. "You" is a personal pronoun that refers to the person being addressed. "Tell" is a verb that means to communicate information. "Me" is a personal pronoun that refers to the speaker. "Your" is a possessive adjective that indicates something belongs to you. "Name" is a noun that refers to the words or sounds that identify a person, place, or thing. When you put these words together, "Can you tell me your name?" is a polite request asking someone to provide their name.

May I have your name?

Meaning: This means to ask someone to tell you their name in a formal way. It's like saying, "Could you please provide me with your name?"

Choice of Words: The word "May" is a modal verb that indicates permission or request. "I" is a personal pronoun that refers to the speaker. "Have" is a verb that means to possess or own something. "Your" is a possessive adjective that indicates something belongs to you. "Name" is a noun that refers to the words or sounds that identify a person, place, or thing. When you put these words together, "May I have your name?" is a formal request asking someone to provide their name.

Related Expressions