“¿Cuál es su buen nombre?” is the Spanish phrase used to ask for someone’s good name.
For those who require further information
In Spanish, the phrase commonly used to ask for someone’s name is “¿Cómo se llama?” or simply “¿Cómo te llamas?” which translates to “What is your name?” However, when someone wants to ask for someone’s full name or “good name”, they can use the phrase “¿Cuál es su buen nombre?”
Interestingly, the concept of having a “good name” in certain cultures goes beyond just a person’s given name. As described in an article from The Guardian, “good name” or “reputation” encompasses a person’s character and social standing within their community. According to the article, in some African cultures, “a good name engenders trust and confidence, creating business opportunities and other advantages” while in Chinese culture, having “good guanxi (social connections) is considered central to survival and prosperity.”
Here are some interesting facts related to the question of asking for someone’s name in different cultures:
| Culture | How people are addressed | Interesting facts |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | People are often addressed by their last name with a honorific suffix, such as “San” for respect | In Japan, it is considered impolite to ask someone’s name directly. Instead, people will often exchange business cards to learn each other’s formal titles and positions |
| India | People often have both a given name and a family name or caste name. They may also use a “nickname” or affectionate name | The meaning of names is highly important in Indian culture. Many parents will consult with an astrologer or consult the stars before choosing a name for their child |
| Middle East | Names often have religious or cultural significance. For example, Arabic names often include “Abdul” meaning “servant of”, followed by one of the 99 names of God | In some Muslim cultures, it is customary for a person to add the name “bin/bint” to their father’s name, indicating “son/daughter of”, such as in the name “Osama bin Laden” |
In summary, while there are different ways of asking for someone’s name in Spanish, the phrase “¿Cuál es su buen nombre?” can be used to specifically ask for a person’s full name. Interestingly, in different cultures, names and the concept of having a “good name” can hold a lot of significance and go beyond just simply identifying a person.
As George Herbert once said, “A good name is better than riches.”
Associated video
The video shows two ways of asking “what’s your name?” in Spanish: a friendly way, “como te llamas?” and a more formal way, “como se llaman?” The response to both is “me llamo” followed by the person’s name.
You will most likely be interested in this
¿Cómo te llamas?