Decoding ‘Who Is This In Chinese’: An Insightful Guide

Wondering “who is this in Chinese”? Look no further! If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to identify someone in Chinese but didn’t know how to ask, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll delve into the answer to this common query and explore how to navigate the Chinese language to find out someone’s identity. So, whether you’re planning a trip to China, learning Mandarin, or simply curious about different languages, keep reading to unlock the solution to “who is this in Chinese” and enhance your language skills. Let’s get started!

Who is This in Chinese: Exploring the Different Meanings and Usage

Have you ever wondered how to ask “Who is this?” in Chinese? Understanding how to refer to someone in a different language can be a key aspect of language learning. In this article, we will delve into the various ways to express “Who is this?” in Chinese, exploring different contexts and situations where this phrase can be used. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate learner, we will cover the essentials to help you master this fundamental phrase.

The Basics of “Who is this?” in Chinese

Before we dive into the different variations and usage of “Who is this?” in Chinese, let’s start with the basic phrase. In Mandarin Chinese, the phrase “Who is this?” can be translated as “这是谁?” (zhè shì shéi?). This straightforward translation can be used in various contexts, such as when you want to know the identity of a person in a photo, or when you receive an unexpected phone call from an unknown number.

Now that we have covered the basic translation, let’s explore other ways to express “Who is this?” in Chinese, which can vary depending on the specific situation.

Asking “Who is this?” in Different Contexts

1. When Answering a Phone Call

In China, it’s common to answer phone calls with a simple greeting followed by asking for the caller’s identity. To ask “Who is this?” during a phone call, you can use the phrase “请问您是哪位?” (qǐng wèn nín shì nǎ wèi?), which translates to “May I ask who is calling?” This polite expression is often used to show respect and courtesy when answering a call from an unfamiliar number.

Here’s an example conversation:

• 你好，我是张先生。请问您是哪位？
• (Nǐ hǎo, wǒ shì Zhāng xiānshēng. Qǐng wèn nín shì nǎ wèi?)
• Hello, this is Mr. Zhang. May I ask who is calling?
• 你好，我是王小姐。我们是同事。
• (Nǐ hǎo, wǒ shì Wáng xiǎojiě. Wǒmen shì tóngshì.)
• Hello, this is Miss Wang. We are colleagues.

2. When Introducing Someone in a Social Setting

In social gatherings or when introducing someone to others, you might need to ask “Who is this?” to clarify the identity of a person. In this context, you can use the question “这位是谁?” (zhè wèi shì shéi?), which translates to “Who is this person?” This phrase is commonly used to indicate curiosity about someone’s identity or to seek further information about a particular individual.

Consider the following scenario:

• 这位是谁？
• (Zhè wèi shì shéi?)
• Who is this person?
• 他是我的朋友，叫李华。
• (Tā shì wǒ de péngyou, jiào Lǐ Huá.)
• He is my friend, called Li Hua.

3. When Referring to Someone in a Photo or Picture

If you want to ask “Who is this?” in the context of a photo or picture, you can use the phrase “这是谁?” (zhè shì shéi?), similar to the basic translation we mentioned earlier. This phrase is commonly used when you want to know the identity of a person captured in a photograph.

Consider the following example:

• 这是谁？
• (Zhè shì shéi?)
• Who is this?
• 这是我妹妹，叫小红。
• (Zhè shì wǒ mèimei, jiào Xiǎo Hóng.)
• This is my younger sister, called Xiaohong.

Other Related Expressions

While “Who is this?” is a common phrase, there are other related expressions in Chinese that can also be useful to know. These expressions can help you expand your conversational skills and express yourself more naturally.

1. “你是谁?” (nǐ shì shéi?) – “Who are you?”

When encountering a stranger or someone you don’t recognize, you may want to directly ask “Who are you?” to inquire about their identity. This phrase can be used in various situations, whether you meet someone for the first time or when someone approaches you unexpectedly.

2. “请问你叫什么名字?” (qǐng wèn nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?) – “May I ask what your name is?”

If you want to know someone’s name or introduce yourself politely, this phrase is a useful addition to your language toolbox. It is a common way to engage in conversation and gather more information about the person you are speaking to.

Mastering the different ways to say “Who is this?” in Chinese is essential for effective communication, whether you’re answering phone calls, introducing someone, or simply expressing curiosity about a person. By familiarizing yourself with the various phrases and their usage in different contexts, you can navigate social situations and conversations with confidence.

Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and practice is key. As you continue to immerse yourself in the language, don’t hesitate to engage in conversations and ask for clarifications when needed. With time and perseverance, you will become more fluent in expressing and understanding “Who is this?” in Chinese.

Learn Chinese for Beginners: This & That in Chinese #DAY 24 What is This?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you say “who is this” in Chinese?

The phrase “who is this” in Chinese is translated as “这是谁” (zhè shì shuí).

What are some alternative ways to ask “who is this” in Chinese?

Here are a few alternative ways to ask “who is this” in Chinese:

• “这个是谁” (zhè gè shì shuí)
• “这个人是谁” (zhè gè rén shì shuí)
• “这是哪位” (zhè shì nǎ wèi)

How do you pronounce “这是谁” in Chinese?

The pinyin pronunciation for “这是谁” is “zhè shì shuí”.

Can you provide an example sentence using “这是谁”?

Certainly! An example sentence using “这是谁” would be:

“这是谁在照片上的人？” (zhè shì shuí zài zhào piàn shàng de rén?)

Translation: “Who is the person in this photo?”

Are there any cultural considerations when asking “who is this” in Chinese?

When asking “who is this” in Chinese, it is important to use proper honorifics and respect the person’s status and relationship to you. Politeness is highly valued in Chinese culture, so it is advisable to use appropriate titles and formal language, especially when speaking to individuals older or of higher social status.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, understanding how to say “who is this” in Chinese is a valuable phrase to learn. The phrase “who is this in Chinese” can be translated as “这是谁” (zhè shì shuí) in Mandarin. By familiarizing yourself with this phrase, you can confidently communicate and inquire about someone’s identity in Chinese. Whether you are traveling to China or interacting with Chinese speakers, knowing how to ask “who is this in Chinese” can help facilitate meaningful conversations and connections. So, remember to practice and incorporate this phrase into your Chinese language skills.