Portuguese Phrase
Em nome de quem está?
Meaning
The sentence asks ‘In whose name is it?’ It is used to find out the person or entity under whose name something (a ticket, a reservation, a document, etc.) is registered.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to verify ownership or responsibility, especially in formal or bureaucratic situations such as checking a reservation, a bank account, a legal document, or a ticket.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Emnomedequemestá
Em (preposition)
Used to indicate 'in' or 'on' and introduces the noun phrase that follows.
nome (noun)
Means 'name'; here it forms the fixed expression 'em nome de' = 'in the name of'.
de (preposition)
Links the noun 'nome' with the interrogative pronoun that follows.
quem (interrogative pronoun)
Asks about a person; used when the answer is expected to be a name.
está (verb estar)
Third‑person singular of the verb 'estar' meaning 'to be' in a temporary or situational sense.
🗨In Conversation
Em nome de quem está a reserva?
In whose name is the reservation?
Está em nome da Sra. Silva.
It’s under Mrs. Silva’s name.
✕Common Mistakes
Em nome de qual está?
Use 'quem' for people; 'qual' asks about things.
Em nome de quem é?
The verb should be 'está' (estar) because you are referring to a situational state, not a permanent identity.
Nome de quem está?
The preposition 'em' is required; omitting it sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
A quem pertence?
To whom does it belong?
Em nome de quem está isso?
In whose name is this?
Quem é o titular?
Who is the holder?
Cultural Tip
The construction 'em nome de' is common in formal Portuguese, especially in legal, administrative, and business contexts. In casual conversation Brazilians might simply ask 'A quem está?' or 'Quem é o dono?' depending on the object in question. Remember that 'está' (estar) is used because the name is a situational attribute, not an inherent characteristic.