Who wants to know Meaning in English
expression
Definition
This expression is used in response to a question when the speaker is hesitant to answer or wants to know who is asking, often implying that the answer depends on who is interested.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, sometimes playful or suspicious. Used when you don’t want to give information immediately or want to check why someone is asking. Tone can be friendly, defensive, or even secretive depending on context.
Example Sentences
"How old are you?" "Who wants to know?"
basic
Whenever someone asks him a secret, he replies, "Who wants to know?"
basic
He smiled and said, "Who wants to know?"
basic
If you're asking about my plans, who wants to know—my boss or my friends?
natural
"Why do you need that information?" "Well, who wants to know—is it just you, or is this for the whole office?"
natural
People sometimes answer with who wants to know if they're not sure they trust the person asking.
natural