How to Answer "Who is That?"
When someone asks "Who is that?" in daily communication, the response varies depending on the context, relationship, and familiarity with the person being referred to. Here are practical ways to answer this question clearly and appropriately.
1. Basic Identification: Direct and Simple
If the person is known to both speaker and listener, a concise answer with name or basic identity works best.
- That's + 姓名 (e.g., "That's Lisa. We went to college together.")
- It's + 身份/关系 (e.g., "It's my supervisor from the office.")
2. Detailed Introduction: Adding Context
When the listener may not recognize the person, include background or connection to clarify.
- 姓名 + 身份/关系 + 场景说明 (e.g., "That's David, the new engineer. He joined our team last month.")
- He/She + 职业/特征 + 与对话者的关联 (e.g., "She's Maria, the designer who worked on your project.")
3. Uncertainty: Admitting Lack of Knowledge
If you don’t know the person, honesty is key. Use phrases that express uncertainty without尴尬.
- I'm not sure + 推测 (e.g., "I'm not sure—maybe a friend of Tom's?")
- I don't know + 补充说明 (e.g., "I don't know his name, but he's always at the café.")
4. Special Scenarios: Phone Calls or Distant People
In specific situations like phone conversations or pointing to someone far away, adjust the response structure.
- On the phone: "This is [Your Name]" (when someone asks "Who is that?" on the line).
- Distant person: "That's the speaker at the conference—she’s a professor from Harvard."
Key Tips for Natural Responses
- Match formality: Use casual language with friends ("That's my buddy, Jake!") and polite terms with strangers ("That appears to be the event organizer, sir.").
- Non-verbal cues: Pair answers with gestures (e.g., pointing) if the person is visible, to avoid confusion.
By tailoring your response to the context, you can effectively answer "Who is that?" and keep the conversation流畅.
