Portuguese Phrase
Quem é você?
Meaning
A direct question that asks “Who are you?”. It seeks the identity of the person you’re speaking to, often used when you meet someone for the first time or need clarification about who they are.
When to use
Use it in casual or neutral settings when you want a quick answer about someone’s identity. In more formal contexts or when you want to sound polite, you might opt for softer alternatives like “Como você se chama?” or “Qual é o seu nome?”.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quemévocê
Quem
Interrogative pronoun meaning “who”, used to ask about a person’s identity.
é
Third‑person singular present of the verb ser (to be). It links the subject and predicate and is used for essential characteristics.
você
Second‑person singular pronoun (informal in Brazil, neutral in Portugal). It triggers third‑person verb agreement.
🗨In Conversation
Quem é você?
Who are you?
Eu sou o João, seu novo colega de trabalho.
I’m João, your new coworker.
✕Common Mistakes
Quem é tu?
When using the pronoun ‘tu’, the verb must agree: ‘Quem és tu?’
Quem e você?
The verb ‘é’ needs an acute accent; without it the word means ‘and’ (e).
Quem são você?
The verb must stay singular (é) because the subject is singular.
↔Alternatives
Qual é o seu nome?
What is your name?
Quem é o senhor?
Who are you? (formal, addressing a man)
Quem é a senhora?
Who are you? (formal, addressing a woman)
Você poderia se apresentar?
Could you introduce yourself?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, “Quem é você?” can feel a bit abrupt, especially with strangers. Native speakers often prefer “Como você se chama?” or “Qual é o seu nome?” to sound more courteous. In Portugal the phrase is less harsh, but using the formal “o senhor/a senhora” still adds politeness.