How to Say "My name is..." in Chinese (Mandarin)

Category: Greetings & Basics

How to Pronounce "My name is..." in Mandarin

The Chinese word for 'My name is...' is 我的名字是..., pronounced Wǒ de míngzì shì... in pinyin notation. To say it in English approximation: 'waw duh ming-dzir shir'.

Breaking Down the Characters

Character	Pinyin	Notes
我	Wǒ	Character component
的	de	Character component
名	míngzì	Character component
字	shì...	Character component
是		Character component
.		Character component
.		Character component
.		Character component

Example Usage in Context

English	Chinese	Pinyin
I want to say 'My name is...'	我的名字是...	Wǒ de míngzì shì...
How do you say My name is...?	"My name is..."怎么说？	"My name is..." zěnme shuō?
Please say My name is... slowly	请慢慢说我的名字是...	Qǐng màn màn shuō Wǒ de míngzì shì...

Understanding Mandarin Tones

Mandarin Chinese uses four tones plus a neutral tone. Getting the tone right is essential - the same syllable with a different tone can mean a completely different word. The pinyin Wǒ de míngzì shì... includes tone markers to guide correct pronunciation.

Tips for Learning Chinese Pronunciation

• Listen to native speakers on apps like HelloChinese or Duolingo
• Practice the four tones separately before combining them in words
• Record yourself and compare to native pronunciation
• The pinyin system is the standard romanisation - learn it once and use it everywhere

Take Your Mandarin Further