French Phrase
C'est au nom de qui?
Meaning
This phrase is used to inquire about the name associated with something, typically when you need to identify the person responsible for or linked to an item, reservation, or account. It literally translates to "It is in the name of whom?" and is a polite and common way to ask for identification.
When to use
You would use this phrase when picking up a package, a reservation at a restaurant or hotel, or when asking about an account or service. It's a standard way to ask for the name under which something is registered or held, especially in a formal or semi-formal setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estau nom dequi
C'est
This is a contraction of 'ce est' (it is). It's a very common impersonal construction used to introduce or identify something. Here, it refers to the item or reservation being discussed.
au nom de
This is a fixed prepositional phrase meaning 'in the name of' or 'under the name of'. It's crucial for indicating the association of a name with something.
qui
As an interrogative pronoun, 'qui' means 'who' or 'whom'. In this phrase, it functions as the object of the preposition 'de', asking for the person's name.
🗨In Conversation
Bonjour, j'ai une réservation pour ce soir.
Hello, I have a reservation for tonight.
D'accord. C'est au nom de qui?
Alright. Whose name is it under?
✕Common Mistakes
Qui est-ce?
While 'Qui est-ce?' means 'Who is it?', it doesn't convey the sense of 'in whose name'. It's too direct and lacks the specific context of ownership or association.
C'est pour qui le nom?
This is grammatically awkward and not idiomatic. 'Pour qui' means 'for whom', which is different from asking 'in whose name'.
↔Alternatives
À quel nom est-ce?
Under what name is it?
C'est pour qui?
Who is it for?
Cultural Tip
In French culture, politeness is highly valued. Using "C'est au nom de qui?" is a polite and indirect way to ask for a name, especially in service interactions. It's generally preferred over more direct questions like "Quel est votre nom?" when you're trying to locate something associated with a name. Always remember to add "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" and "s'il vous plaît" for extra courtesy.