"Who are you?"

Question

Someone asked me "Who are you?", and then do I have to reply, "I am Tom." or can I also say, "I am Tom and I am a teacher." So the point is that I also can tell them my job from the question, "Who are you, Who is she, etc"? Thank you so much as always and have a good day.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Yes, you can give whatever information you want to.

Clive

Philip · Answer

The obvious response is one's name. Any other information is optional, especially if it's a case where the questioner is wondering what the person is doing in a particular place.
I'm locking up the office and see someone I don't recognize. When I ask 'Who are you?' I might well be asking 'What are you doing here?' as well.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you both so much and then if someone asks, "What are you?", can I say, "I am Tom." or do I have to say, "I am a teacher."?

Clive · Answer

Thank you both so much and then if someone asks, "What are you?", can I say, "I am Tom." or do I have to say, "I am a teacher."?

Appropriate responses to 'What are you?' are
eg I am a teacher.
eg I am French
eg I am thirty-five.
The context should indicate what the person is asking about.
If it doesn't, say eg 'What are you asking about?'

If someone wants to know your name, they will ask
eg What's your name?
eg Who are you?

If someone wants to know your job, they will ask
eg What is your occupation?
eg What do you do?

Clive

"Who are you?"

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