Why do you use usted when asking someone their name formally?

KalleA1Kwiziq community member

Why do you use usted when asking someone their name formally?

For example ¿Comó se llama usted?

wouldn't that translate to "What do you call yourself you?" How come you can't just say ¿Comó se llama?



Asked 2 years ago
MarshaC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

You can also say ¿cómo se llama?

Adding usted makes the question even more formal. 

Why do you use usted when asking someone their name formally?

For example ¿Comó se llama usted?

wouldn't that translate to "What do you call yourself you?" How come you can't just say ¿Comó se llama?



Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your Spanish level for FREE

Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard

Find your Spanish level
Clever stuff happening!