How to Say 'What is Your Name' in Different Languages

In some languages, for example, in French and Spanish, one does not directly ask anyone what their name is.
Instead, they pose a euphemistic question that can be translated in English as"How are you called?" or "What do you call yourself?"

While visiting a different country, where everyone speaks an unfamiliar tongue, are you perplexed about how to break the ice, make new friends, or even something as generic as how to ask for directions? Does using sign language and gestures seem crude when you are looking to make a good impression?

Obviously, the humongous task of mastering all the nuances of a foreign language, that too, overnight, is a nightmare. But let us try to make the impossible, possible. Here's the ice-breaker: learn a few key phrases, and voila, you have overcome the first hurdle in communication.

We suggest that you start a conversation with a stranger by asking what his or her name is. Brilliant, you have now crossed the second hurdle as well. We invite you to join us in our quest to perfect how to ask anyone, no matter where they are from, "What is your name?", and believe it or not, in 79 languages of the world (other than English).

We hope our miniguide helped you take the first step in making a new friend in a new land, and that it took you further in your conquest of learning new languages.