이름 (i-reum, ireum) · 성함 (seong-ham, seongham)
'이름' is a general, everyday word for 'name,' while '성함' is a polite honorific used to ask someone’s name respectfully.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A general term for a person's or thing's name
When to use
Asking a friend’s name, Self-introduction, Casual conversation
The nuance
Used in casual or neutral situations, such as among friends, colleagues, or when introducing oneself.
An honorific term used to politely refer to or ask for someone’s name
When to use
Asking name in business meeting, Asking elder’s name politely, Introducing at formal events
The nuance
Used in formal and honorific contexts when politely asking for someone’s name, appropriate in respectful situations.
친구가 내 이름을 물었어요.
chin-gu-ga nae i-reum-eul mul-eoss-eo-yo., chin gu ga nae i reum eul mul eoss eo yo.
'이름' is natural and correct among friends.
친구가 내 성함을 물었어요.
chin-gu-ga nae seong-ham-eul mul-eoss-eo-yo., chin gu ga nae seong ham eul mul eoss eo yo.
'성함' is too formal and unnatural among friends.
선생님께 성함을 여쭤봤어요.
seon-saeng-nim-kke seong-ham-eul yeo-jjwo-bwass-eo-yo., seon saeng nim kke seong ham eul yeo jjwo bwass eo yo.
Use '성함' to politely ask an elder or superior's name.
선생님께 이름을 여쭤봤어요.
seon-saeng-nim-kke i-reum-eul yeo-jjwo-bwass-eo-yo., seon saeng nim kke i reum eul yeo jjwo bwass eo yo.
'이름' is inappropriate for elders; use honorific '성함' instead.
회사에서 성함을 알려 주세요.
hoe-sa-e-seo seong-ham-eul al-ryeo ju-se-yo., hoe sa e seo seong ham eul al ryeo ju se yo.
Appropriate for politely requesting a name in formal settings.
회사에서 이름을 알려 주세요.
hoe-sa-e-seo i-reum-eul al-ryeo ju-se-yo., hoe sa e seo i reum eul al ryeo ju se yo.
'이름' is too casual for formal situations; use '성함'.
자기소개할 때 내 이름을 말했어요.
ja-gi-so-gae-hal ttae nae i-reum-eul mal-haess-eo-yo., ja gi so gae hal ttae nae i reum eul mal haess eo yo.
'이름' is natural when introducing oneself.
자기소개할 때 내 성함을 말했어요.
ja-gi-so-gae-hal ttae nae seong-ham-eul mal-haess-eo-yo., ja gi so gae hal ttae nae seong ham eul mal haess eo yo.
'성함' is overly formal and awkward in self-introduction.
Which word should you use to ask an elder's name?
What is the appropriate word to ask a friend’s name?
Which word is used politely to ask someone’s name at a formal event?
