どちら様

どちらさま
Alternative writings: 何方様
Frequency:
1

A polite/respectful way to ask who someone is (e.g. on the phone). Used when asking a person's identity in honorific speech.

PronounHonorific or Respectful (Sonkeigo) Language

Examples

電話に出て『どちら様ですか』と訊ねた。

I answered the phone and asked, 'Who is this, please?'

訪問先でインターホン越しに『どちら様ですか』と聞かれた。

At the door the intercom asked, 'Who is it, please?'