ما اسمك؟

When to use

This is a standard and polite way to inquire about someone's name when you are meeting them for the first time.

How it works

This is a simple interrogative sentence. 'Ma' is an interrogative particle, and 'ismuk' combines 'ism' (name) with the second-person masculine singular possessive suffix '-ka' (your).

• مَا: What
• اسْمُكَ: your name (masculine singular)

Gender and Address

If addressing a female, you would say 'mā ismuki?' (مَا اسْمُكِ؟). The ending changes from '-ka' to '-ki' to indicate the feminine singular addressee.

Pronunciation Nuances

The 's' sound in 'ismuk' (اسْمُكَ) is unvoiced. Ensure the 'm' sound is clear before the 'k'.

Notes

Basic name question for introductions. Neutral polite wording.