Who am I? vs Who are you?

The phrases 'who am I?' and 'who are you?' are both correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Who am I?' is used when someone is questioning their own identity, while 'who are you?' is used when someone is asking about the identity of another person.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 364 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when someone is questioning their own identity.

"Who am I?"

This phrase is used when someone is reflecting on or questioning their own identity, purpose, or role.

Examples:

Who am I? What is my purpose in life?
I often ask myself, who am I really?
Who am I to judge others?
Who am I to say what is right or wrong?
Who am I to stand in the way of progress?

Show examples from the web [+]

Who am I? Give them the freedom to explore their world.
Who am I? Suddenly, there was no country I could proudly call my own.
But... Who am I? , the Mother says.
'Who am I?' has been published several times subsequently.
early July 2006 whoami Who am I? principles
"Who am I?"- asks Mark.
"Who am I?" asked the young disciple to his spiritual Master.
"Who am I?" is the title given to a set of questions and answers bearing on Self-enquiry.
Who am I? Goethe's three questions and other approaches to self-identity
This, in substance, is Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi's teaching in Nan Yar (Who am I?).
This project is a response to and an affirmation of the question: Who am I? I was born after the earthquake.
And man, placed within the visible natural world of which he is a part, asks himself: "Who am I?".
Because no one ever asks "Who am I?" out loud.
Who am I? . (shouting) Number one!
(Rugal) Who am I?
As long as there are impressions of objects in the mind, so long the inquiry "Who am I?" is required.
He talks about peace, love, fear, suffering, loss, death, and he explains how to apply the question "Who am I?".
Who am I? From a biological standpoint, I am a creature with a certain endowment of genetic materials who lives in a particular place and time.
When the enquiry 'Who am I?' is persistently pursued, all other thoughts get destroyed, and finally the 'I' thought itself vanishes leaving the supreme non-dual Self alone.
Thereupon if one inquires "Who am I?", the mind will go back to its source; and the thought that arose will become quiescent.

Alternatives:

What is my identity?
What defines me?
What is my role?
What is my purpose?
What am I here for?

This phrase is correct and commonly used when someone is asking about the identity of another person.

"Who are you?"

This phrase is used when someone is inquiring about the identity, background, or role of another person.

Examples:

Who are you? I don't think we've met before.
Can you tell me who you are and what you do?
Who are you to make such demands?
Who are you to question my authority?
Who are you to judge me?

Show examples from the web [+]

Who are you? -I am Siegfried.
Who are you? - Dillon.
When this man saw me, he came over to me and he said, "Who are you?"
I'm Lieutenant Chory. Who are you?
(IN AMERICAN) Who are you?
Who are you? I'm a pilot stationed here.
Who are you? ... under a pounding of jet planes...
- Who are you? - I am the son of the landlord.
[Gasps] Who are you?
Then, she approaches him after an hour, he says, Who are you?
Who are you? Yubaba's twin sister
Who are you? - Haven PD.
I put on pencil skirts every morning, and I'm like, "Who are you?"
So finally I ask her, "Who are you?"
Now... Who are you? I'm Slevin.
So I ask, 'Who are you?
Even if I meet him in the streets I'll think, "Who are you?"
Who are you? - The police.
In fact, I think it was about 30 seconds of the normal child, Who are you?
AS: That was the theme: Who are you?

Alternatives:

What is your name?
Can you introduce yourself?
May I ask who you are?
Could you tell me about yourself?
What do you do?

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

Who am I? vs Who are you?

"Who am I?"

"Who are you?"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text