French Phrase
Quel nom ?
Meaning
A short, direct question asking for the name of a person, place, object, or concept. It can be used when you didn’t catch the name or when you need clarification among several possibilities.
When to use
Use it in informal spoken French when you want a quick answer about a name, especially after hearing something unclear, or when you’re choosing between multiple names. In more formal contexts you’ll usually add a verb, e.g., ‘Quel est le nom ?’
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quelnom?
Quel (interrogative adjective)
‘Quel’ means ‘which’ or ‘what’ and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (masc. singular = quel, fem. singular = quelle).
Nom (masculine noun)
‘Nom’ is a masculine singular noun meaning ‘name’; its article is ‘le’ (le nom).
Ellipsis of the verb
In spoken French the verb ‘être’ is often omitted, so ‘Quel nom ?’ stands for ‘Quel est le nom ?’ or ‘C’est quoi le nom ?’
🗨In Conversation
Quel nom ?
What name?
C’est le musée du Louvre.
It’s the Louvre Museum.
✕Common Mistakes
Quel femme ?
‘Quel’ must agree with the feminine noun ‘femme’; the correct form is ‘Quelle femme ?’
Quel est le nom ?
While grammatically correct, learners often add an unnecessary article after ‘nom’; the shorter ‘Quel nom ?’ is more natural in spoken French.
Quel nom est ?
The verb ‘être’ must precede the subject in French; the correct order is ‘Quel est le nom ?’
↔Alternatives
Quel est le nom ?
What is the name?
C’est quoi ton nom ?
What’s your name?
Comment vous appelez‑vous ?
How do you call yourself? (formal)
Quel est son nom ?
What is his/her name?
Cultural Tip
In French, dropping the verb can sound abrupt, so in polite conversation you’ll often hear ‘Quel est le nom ?’ or ‘C’est quoi le nom ?’. Also remember that ‘quel’ changes to ‘quelle’ for feminine nouns (e.g., ‘Quelle couleur ?’).