请问是谁？
Who is this?
Literally: Please ask is who?
Use this phrase to politely identify unknown callers or visitors without sounding rude or aggressive.
In 15 Seconds
- The polite way to ask 'Who is this?' in Chinese.
- Perfect for phone calls, door knocks, and unknown texts.
- Combines 'please ask' with 'is who' for a soft tone.
Meaning
This is a polite way to ask who someone is, usually when you can't see them or don't recognize their voice. It is the standard 'Who is this?' for phone calls or when someone knocks on your door.
Key Examples
3 of 6Answering an unknown phone number
喂，请问是谁？
Hello, may I ask who this is?
Someone knocks on your apartment door
来了！请问是谁？
Coming! Who is it, please?
Receiving a text from an unsaved contact
你好，请问是谁？我没有你的号码。
Hi, who is this? I don't have your number.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Chinese emphasis on 'politeness first' (礼貌). Using the prefix 'Qingwen' (May I ask) is a linguistic social lubricant used to avoid appearing aggressive or suspicious of strangers. It became the standard telephone greeting in the mid-20th century as telecommunications spread across China.
The 'Wei' Opener
On the phone, always start with `喂` (wèi) before saying `请问是谁？`. It is the universal 'Hello' for phones only!
Don't be too blunt
Avoid just saying `你是谁？` (Who are you?). It sounds like a police officer questioning a suspect. Always add the `请问`.
In 15 Seconds
- The polite way to ask 'Who is this?' in Chinese.
- Perfect for phone calls, door knocks, and unknown texts.
- Combines 'please ask' with 'is who' for a soft tone.
What It Means
请问是谁？ is your go-to phrase for identifying a mystery person. It combines 请问 (may I ask) with 是谁 (is who). It sounds polite and educated. It is the verbal equivalent of looking through a peephole. You are asking for an identity without being blunt. It is soft, curious, and safe for beginners.
How To Use It
Use this when you pick up a phone from an unknown number. Use it when someone knocks on your apartment door at 10 PM. You can also use it in a group chat when a new person joins. Simply say the four syllables clearly. The 请 (qǐng) at the start does all the heavy lifting for politeness. It turns a demand for information into a gentle request. It is like putting a 'please' at the front of your curiosity.
When To Use It
This phrase shines in professional and semi-formal settings. Use it at the office when a stranger calls your desk. Use it at a restaurant if someone asks for you by name. It is perfect for texting someone you don't have in your contacts. It works great when you are meeting a large group of new people. It keeps things respectful while you figure out who is who. Even if you are annoyed by a telemarketer, this phrase keeps you looking classy.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your best friends or family. It will sound weirdly distant and cold. If your mom calls, don't say 请问是谁？ unless you want a lecture. Avoid using it in a heated argument where you want to be aggressive. It is too 'nice' for a confrontation. Also, don't use it if you clearly already know the person. It might come off as a sarcastic joke or a sign you've forgotten them. That is a quick way to hurt someone's feelings!
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places a high value on 'mianzi' or face. Asking 'Who are you?' directly (你是谁？) can sound like an interrogation. By adding 请问, you are showing you have good manners. Historically, identifying guests before opening a door was a safety measure. Today, it is mostly about digital etiquette. In the age of spam calls, this phrase is a polite shield. It allows you to vet the caller before committing to a conversation.
Common Variations
If you want to be even more formal, try 请问您是哪位？. This uses the respectful 您 (nín) and the polite counter 位 (wèi). It is like saying 'May I ask which honorable person is calling?'. If you are feeling casual with a friend who is prank calling you, just say 谁啊？. That is the short, 'Who's that?' version. For business, people often add 哪里的 to ask which company they are from. But for 90% of situations, 请问是谁？ is the perfect middle ground.
Usage Notes
This phrase is the 'Goldilocks' of Chinese introductions—not too formal, not too rude. It is safe for almost any situation where you genuinely don't know the person's identity.
The 'Wei' Opener
On the phone, always start with `喂` (wèi) before saying `请问是谁？`. It is the universal 'Hello' for phones only!
Don't be too blunt
Avoid just saying `你是谁？` (Who are you?). It sounds like a police officer questioning a suspect. Always add the `请问`.
The 'Which Seat' Secret
In very formal settings, people ask `哪位` (which person/seat). It treats the person like an honored guest rather than just a name.
Examples
6喂，请问是谁？
Hello, may I ask who this is?
The standard way to answer a mystery caller.
来了！请问是谁？
Coming! Who is it, please?
Used to identify a visitor before opening the door.
你好，请问是谁？我没有你的号码。
Hi, who is this? I don't have your number.
A polite way to clear up contact list confusion.
您好，王经理现在不在，请问是谁？
Hello, Manager Wang is out, may I ask who is calling?
Very standard office etiquette.
别闹了，请问是谁？
Stop messing around, who is this really?
Used when you suspect you know the person but need confirmation.
我不认识你，请问是谁？
I don't know you, who is this?
Used to establish boundaries with a stranger.
Test Yourself
You receive a phone call from a stranger. How do you ask who they are politely?
喂，___ 是谁？
`请问` (qǐng wèn) means 'may I ask' and is the standard polite opener.
Complete the phrase to ask 'Who is this?'
请问 ___ ？
`是谁` (shì shéi) literally means 'is who'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Asking 'Who is it?'
Used with friends or family.
谁啊？ (Shéi a?)
Standard polite inquiry.
请问是谁？ (Qǐngwèn shì shéi?)
High-end business or respect.
请问您是哪位？ (Qǐngwèn nín shì nǎ wèi?)
Where to use '请问是谁？'
Phone Call
Unknown caller ID
At the Door
Delivery or neighbor
Office
Transferring a call
Group Chat
New member joins
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral and safe, but for a boss or a client, 请问您是哪位？ is even better. It uses the respectful version of 'you'.
Usually, no. If you meet someone face-to-face, it's better to ask 请问怎么称呼您？ (How should I address you?).
It literally means 'Please ask.' It is a polite way to signal you are about to ask a question, like 'Excuse me' in English.
Simply say 我是... (I am...) followed by your name. For example, 我是大卫 (I am David).
Both are correct! Shuí is more formal/literary, while shéi is the common spoken version you'll hear in Beijing and most of China.
Yes, it is very common. If a random number texts you, replying 请问是谁？ is perfectly normal.
谁啊？ (Shéi a?) is very casual and usually used at home with people you likely know. 请问是谁？ is for strangers.
Yes, it is perfect. When they knock, saying 请问是谁？ helps you confirm it's the food you ordered.
No, it is often dropped. 请问是谁？ is grammatically complete and sounds more natural than 请问你是谁？.
You can say 请问是哪位？哪里的？. The 哪里的 (nǎ lǐ de) asks 'from where'.
Related Phrases
请问您是哪位？ (Polite: Who are you?)
谁啊？ (Casual: Who's that?)
怎么称呼？ (How should I call you?)
你是...？ (You are...? - used when you almost recognize them)
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