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PhrasesMeeting Someone NewScusi, come si chiama?
A1formal

Scusi, come si chiama?

Excuse me, what is your name?

Pronunciation

'Scusi' = SKOO-zee; 'chiama' = KYA-ma. The 'sc' before 'u' is a hard sound like 'sk'.

When to use it

Use with adults you are meeting for the first time in a professional or formal setting. Also appropriate when speaking to an older person you don't know. Never use with children or close-age peers in casual situations.

What it means

'Lei' is the formal 'you' in Italian. 'Come si chiama?' uses the reflexive verb 'chiamarsi' conjugated for the formal subject. This phrasing signals respect and social awareness. It is expected in business introductions.

Variations

Mi scusi, può dirmi il suo nome?

Excuse me, could you tell me your name?

Even more polite; 'può' softens the request.

Con chi ho il piacere di parlare?

With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?

Very formal, used in professional phone calls or formal events.

Potrebbe presentarsi?

Could you introduce yourself?

Used when you expect a full introduction, not just a name.

Mini Dialogue

— Buongiorno. Scusi, come si chiama? — Buongiorno. Mi chiamo Dottor Ricci. E lei? — Piacere, sono l'ingegner Bianchi. — Molto lieto di conoscerla.

— Good morning. Excuse me, what is your name? — Good morning. My name is Doctor Ricci. And you? — Pleased to meet you, I am Engineer Bianchi. — Very pleased to meet you.

Cultural Note

In formal Italian settings, professional titles (Dottore, Ingegnere, Professore) are used as forms of address and are considered a sign of respect, not pomposity.