Who is this Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhu/ /ˈɪz/, /ɪz/ /ˈðɪs/, /ðɪs

HOO-iz-this

UK

hˈuː/ /ˈɪz/ /ðˈɪs

HOO-iz-this

Definition

A question used to ask for the identity of a person, often when you don't recognize them or want to know who is speaking, especially on the phone or in photos.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and used in real-time situations, often for phone calls and messages, or when seeing a new face. Can sound abrupt if not softened ('May I ask who is this?'). In photos, sometimes phrased as 'Who is this in the picture?'.

• Spanish: ¿quién es este? - ¿quién es esta? - ¿quién es?
• Portuguese (BR): quem é este? - quem é esta? - quem é?
• Portuguese (PT): quem é este? - quem é esta? - quem é?
• Chinese (Simplified): 这是谁？
• Chinese (Traditional): 這是誰？
• Hindi: यह कौन है?
• Arabic: مَن هذا؟ - مَن هذه؟ - مَن هذا الشخص؟
• Bengali: এটা কে
• Russian: кто это
• Japanese: これは誰ですか - どなたですか
• Vietnamese: đây là ai
• Korean: 이게 누구야 - 이분이 누구예요
• Turkish: bu kim
• Urdu: یہ کون ہے
• Indonesian: ini siapa

Example Sentences

Who is this speaking on the phone?

basic

Who is this in the photo?

basic

I got a message but I don't know who is this.

basic

Sorry, who is this? I don't recognize your number.

natural

Hey, who is this at the door?

natural

Can you tell me who is this in the group chat?

natural