Portuguese Phrase
Oi, quem é?
Meaning
A casual way to ask “Who is this?” or “Who are you?” It is usually said when you hear a voice you don’t recognize – for example, when answering a phone call, a doorbell, or a knock.
When to use
Use it in informal situations with friends, acquaintances, or strangers you meet over the phone or at the door. It is too informal for business meetings or formal introductions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Oi,quemé?
Oi
An informal greeting equivalent to “hi” or “hey”. Common in Brazil in both spoken and written contexts.
quem
Interrogative pronoun meaning “who”. It does not change for gender or number.
é
Third‑person singular of the verb ser (to be). Used here to ask the identity of the speaker.
🗨In Conversation
Oi, quem é?
Hi, who is this?
É a Maria, sua vizinha.
It’s Maria, your neighbour.
✕Common Mistakes
Oi, quem é você?
"Quem é você?" sounds overly direct and a bit rude in most contexts; use "Oi, quem é?" or "Alô, quem fala?" instead.
Oi, quem está?
The verb must be conjugated as "é" (ser) when asking for identity, not "está" (estar).
Oi, quem são?
Use the singular "é" because you are asking about a single speaker, not a group.
↔Alternatives
Alô, quem fala?
Hello, who’s speaking?
Oi, quem está aí?
Hi, who’s there?
Quem é?
Who is it?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, "Oi" is the go‑to greeting for friends and casual encounters, while "Alô" is the standard word for answering the telephone. If you’re on a call, "Alô, quem fala?" sounds more natural. Also, avoid using "Oi, quem é?" with people you already know – it can come across as rude; instead say "Oi, tudo bem?" (Hi, how are you?).