We’ve all been there. You get a message or call, and the person on the other end simply asks, “Who is this?” It may seem like a simple question, but how you respond can say a lot about you. Whether it’s a casual text or a more formal inquiry, your response can set the tone for the rest of the conversation. So, what’s the best way to respond to “Who is this?” and how do you navigate different situations? Let’s break it down.

220+ Responses to “Who Is This?”
Factual Identification
- This is David from the marketing team.
- It’s Dr. Roberts, your dentist.
- This is Maria, the event organizer for the conference.
- It’s your delivery driver, Ahmed.
- This is Sarah, your new colleague from accounting.
- It’s Mr. Johnson, the building manager.
- This is your Uber driver, arriving in 5 minutes.
- It’s your classmate, John, from history class.
- This is your tech support agent from the call center.
- It’s Jane, your realtor.
Humorous Response
- Oh no, not this again… it’s Batman!
- Just your friendly neighborhood pizza guy, here to save the day!
- It’s the person you dream about at night. Kidding!
- The one and only—your knight in shining armor!
- I’m your worst nightmare… nah, just kidding! It’s Sam.
- Well, I’m not a celebrity, but you could say I’m kinda important.
- Guess who! Just the coolest person you’ve ever met.
- I’m that mysterious number you forgot to save. Oops!
- I’m the ghost of emails unread. Boo!
- Just the person who’s going to make your day a little brighter!
Clarification Question
- Are you asking about the person in the photo?
- Can you clarify—are you referring to me or someone else?
- Do you mean the person who texted you just now?
- Which ‘this’ are we talking about?
- Is this regarding the email or the voicemail you received?
- Are you asking about the person standing next to you?
- Do you mean the person who sent you the message?
- Are you asking about someone from work or elsewhere?
- Just to confirm—are you asking about the caller?
- Do you mean who I am, or are you referring to someone in the room?
Self-Identification
- It’s me, Alex from your study group.
- Hey, it’s Sarah! We met at the networking event last week.
- It’s your neighbor, Lisa. Just thought I’d check in.
- Hi, it’s Tom from the office. We met during the lunch break.
- This is John, your brother’s friend.
- It’s Mark! Remember we spoke at the gym?
- Hey, it’s Emma from your yoga class.
- This is Jake, we were in the same team for the charity run.
- Hey, it’s Carla from the cooking class!
- It’s me, Mike. We sat next to each other on the flight.
Mystery/Intrigue
- Now that’s the question, isn’t it?
- Someone you’re definitely going to want to get to know.
- Ah, but if I told you, where’s the fun in that?
- Let’s just say I’m someone who knows more than you think.
- That’s a mystery you’ll have to solve on your own.
- Well, that depends… do you believe in fate?
- You’ll figure it out in due time.
- Let’s just say I’m someone who’s been waiting for this moment.
- That’s for me to know and for you to find out.
- Someone who knows a little too much about you already.
Sarcastic/Playful Response
- Oh, just some random person you gave your number to, no big deal.
- Clearly, I’m unforgettable, and you just don’t know it yet.
- Well, I’m obviously your long-lost twin. Duh.
- Wow, already forgot me? I’m offended!
- Seriously? The person you couldn’t stop texting last week?
- It’s only the most important person you’ll talk to today.
- I’m your daily dose of awesomeness, delivered fresh.
- Really? We’ve known each other for like… five minutes.
- Just that person you owe $10 to. No rush though.
- I’m the one that got away. Kidding—let’s start over!
Emotional or Relational Response
- It’s me, your best friend! How could you forget?
- It’s your sister, silly! I was just checking in.
- Hey, it’s Dad. Just wanted to see how you’re doing.
- It’s your cousin Jess! We haven’t talked in ages!
- It’s me, your old college roommate! We need to catch up!
- This is your partner, love. I miss you!
- Hey, it’s your favorite aunt! How have you been?
- It’s your big brother! You never call anymore!
- It’s Mom! I was just thinking about you.
- It’s your childhood friend, Tom! Remember me?
Contextual Reference
- This is Alex, we met at last week’s company picnic.
- It’s Sarah, your realtor—remember our call about the house listing?
- This is John, I sat next to you at the concert last Saturday.
- Hey, it’s Mary from the yoga class we both take on Tuesdays.
- This is the guy who helped you fix your flat tire yesterday.
- It’s Sam, the one who introduced you to Lisa at the party.
- I’m the person you spoke with at the charity gala last month.
- It’s your old teammate from the 5K race last year.
- This is Rob, your guide from that hiking trip in the mountains.
- Hey, it’s Chloe! We chatted at the marketing seminar two days ago.
Technical or Professional Identification
- This is Jenny, your project manager at the firm.
- It’s Mark, the software developer working on your app.
- This is Dr. Allen, your therapist—how are you doing today?
- It’s Greg from IT, here to troubleshoot your computer issues.
- This is Karen, your HR representative.
- It’s Laura, your personal trainer from the gym.
- This is Sam from customer service, following up on your inquiry.
- It’s Jeff, your real estate agent.
- This is Kelly, the nurse who assisted with your appointment last week.
- It’s Peter, the lawyer handling your case.
Non-Answer
- Why do you ask? 😉
- Does it really matter who I am?
- You don’t need to know. Just trust me.
- Hmm, let’s keep it a mystery, shall we?
- Oh, I’m just someone who knows a lot more than you think.
- The real question is: Who are you?
- That’s for me to know, and you to find out.
- Does it change anything if I tell you?
- Maybe it’s better if I don’t say.
- The answer to that might surprise you.
Philosophical Response
- Well, who am I really? Aren’t we all just fleeting beings in the grand scheme of the universe?
- Isn’t that the ultimate question? Who are any of us?
- I am whoever you need me to be in this moment.
- In the end, does it matter who I am, or what we share?
- Who is anyone, but a reflection of their experiences and memories?
- Do any of us really know who we are?
- I’m just a traveler passing through this brief moment of time with you.
- I am a culmination of every decision I’ve ever made—just like you.
- In one sense, I’m me; in another, I’m just a collection of atoms like everyone else.
- Perhaps I’m not the person who matters—maybe it’s the questions I bring.
Confused Response
- Wait, are you asking who I am? Didn’t we meet before?
- Uh… am I supposed to know you? I’m confused.
- You don’t know who this is? That’s strange, I thought you did.
- Sorry, I’m not sure I understand—could you clarify?
- Is this a trick question? Should I know who this is?
- Uh, I think I might be the wrong person for this conversation.
- Wait… aren’t you the one who called me?
- Sorry, I thought you knew me! Was I wrong?
- I’m a bit confused too—who were you trying to reach?
- Wait, you asked me? I was just about to ask you the same thing!
Deflecting Response
- Oh, let’s not worry about that. What’s on your mind?
- That’s not important. Let’s focus on the task at hand.
- Let’s skip that—how can I help you today?
- We can talk about me later—what do you need right now?
- You’ll find out soon enough, but let’s talk about something else.
- Don’t worry about me—let’s get back to your situation.
- The who doesn’t matter—what matters is what I can do for you.
- That’s a mystery for another time. What’s your main concern today?
- Why focus on names? Let’s get down to what’s important.
- I’ll tell you later—let’s talk about what brought you here.
Revealing a Secret
- I’m the one who knows where you left your keys last night.
- Someone who’s been keeping an eye on things you don’t even know about.
- I know the password you’ve been trying to remember.
- I’m the person who’s been leaving anonymous gifts at your doorstep.
- The person who helped you that one time, even though you didn’t know it.
- I’ve been hiding in plain sight all along.
- Someone who knows your favorite coffee order better than you do.
- The one who has the answer to that question you’ve been asking yourself.
- I’m the person who knows about that little secret you think no one else does.
- I know more than you think, but I’ve been waiting for the right moment to tell you.
Inquisitive Response
- Why do you ask? Do I seem familiar?
- Who do you think this is?
- What makes you curious about who I am?
- Why do you want to know? Is it important?
- What if I ask you the same question—who are you?
- Why does it matter who I am?
- Before I answer, what are you hoping to find out?
- What would you do if I told you?
- How do you think you should know me?
- Would it change anything if I told you who I am?
Memorable Experience Reference
- It’s me, the one who spilled coffee all over your book last week!
- Remember that person who got stuck in the elevator with you? That’s me!
- I’m the guy who helped you fix your flat tire on the highway.
- It’s Sarah—we went bungee jumping together last summer.
- You might remember me as the person who gave you directions to that café downtown.
- I’m the person you met at your cousin’s wedding. We danced all night!
- Remember the karaoke night when we sang that awful duet? Yeah, that was me.
- It’s John—we survived that epic rainstorm at the music festival.
- We were partners for that big project at work, remember?
- I’m the friend who saved you a seat at the movie premiere.
Disguised/Anonymous Response
- Just someone who knows a little too much about you.
- Let’s just say I’m a friend you haven’t met yet.
- I’m someone who prefers to remain in the shadows.
- An anonymous admirer. Let’s leave it at that.
- I’m no one special, just someone passing through.
- Let’s just say… I’m someone who likes to keep things mysterious.
- A stranger today, maybe a friend tomorrow.
- I’m the one who’s always watching but never seen.
- You can call me a ghost—here one moment, gone the next.
- Someone who prefers to keep their identity a secret, for now.
Fictional/Imaginative Identity
- I’m a time traveler from the year 2075.
- I’m the captain of a spaceship, exploring the unknown.
- I’m an undercover agent on a top-secret mission.
- I’m a wizard from a distant land, sent to guide you.
- I’m a character in the story of your life, playing my part.
- I’m the hero you’ve been waiting for all along.
- I’m a dragon tamer from a forgotten kingdom.
- I’m a shapeshifter, always changing but always present.
- I’m an adventurer on a quest to save the world—care to join?
- I’m the guardian of hidden realms you’ve yet to discover.
Historical/Role Model Reference
- I’m your personal version of Einstein—here to answer all your questions!
- It’s Cleopatra, returned to rule once again.
- I’m like your modern-day Da Vinci, always creating.
- Consider me your own Florence Nightingale, here to take care of you.
- I’m a little bit like Martin Luther King Jr.—dreaming of a better tomorrow.
- I’m Shakespeare’s ghost, here to inspire your next great work.
- Think of me as your own Amelia Earhart—ready to take you on an adventure.
- I’m your personal Gandhi—here to offer peace and wisdom.
- I’m a reincarnation of Beethoven, bringing music into your life.
- I’m your modern-day Aristotle, always seeking knowledge.
Reverse Introduction
- Why don’t you tell me who you are first?
- You go first, then I’ll introduce myself.
- Before I answer, how about you tell me who you are?
- I think it’s only fair if you introduce yourself first.
- Let’s switch it up—who do you think I am?
- I’ll tell you, but you’ve got to go first.
- How about we make a deal—you tell me who you are, and I’ll do the same.
- Ladies first—who are you?
- I’ll reveal my identity after you reveal yours!
- Let’s make this interesting—introduce yourself, and I’ll follow.
Dramatic Response
- I am the one you’ve been waiting for your whole life!
- Behold! The hero of your story has arrived!
- I am the person who will change everything!
- The winds have whispered my name for centuries, and here I am!
- Prepare yourself—for it is I, the chosen one!
- I am the guardian of secrets you’ve yet to uncover.
- The one who will lead you to victory has finally appeared!
- I have come from the shadows to reveal the truth.
- Your destiny is intertwined with mine, and now the time has come!
- I am the one whose name echoes in legends!
Delayed Answer
- You’ll find out soon enough.
- All in good time… you’ll know.
- I’ll tell you… eventually.
- Let’s save that for later, shall we?
- You’ll know when the time is right.
- Not just yet—wait for it.
- That’s something you’ll learn soon.
- Patience, my friend. You’ll know who I am soon.
- Give it a little more time—then you’ll find out.
- I’ll keep you guessing for now, but the answer will come.
Understanding the Question “Who Is This?”
“Who is this?” can come from various sources and in many forms. Sometimes, it’s a genuine inquiry, while other times, it could be a spam message or a scam attempt. It’s important to understand that this question is often a request for clarification—someone wants to know who they’re communicating with. But before you jump in and answer, it’s key to assess the situation.
Common Scenarios When You’ll Hear “Who Is This?”
- Unfamiliar Phone Calls or Text Messages
One of the most common places you’ll hear “Who is this?” is over the phone or through text. You may have sent a message, and the recipient doesn’t have your number saved.
- Social Media Direct Messages
Social platforms are filled with connections, but not everyone is familiar with each other. A DM from someone you’ve interacted with but never really spoken to could prompt the question.
- Work or Professional Settings
In a professional setting, if you’re reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or if you’re introducing yourself to a colleague, you might get a “Who is this?” as well.
Assessing the Context Before Responding
- Determining If the Message Is Formal or Informal
Your response will differ based on the tone of the message. If it’s casual, you can keep things light. If it’s more formal, you’ll want to ensure your response is polished.
- Checking for Potential Spam or Scams
In today’s digital age, spam and scam messages are rampant. Before responding to an unknown number, ask yourself if it seems suspicious. If it’s an unsolicited message asking for personal information, proceed with caution.
- Analyzing Tone and Urgency
Does the message seem urgent, or is it a casual inquiry? Understanding the tone will help you decide how quickly and professionally you need to respond.
Best Responses in Casual Situations
- Friendly and Light-Hearted Responses
If the situation is relaxed, you can have fun with your response. Something like, “It’s your favorite person!” or “Guess who?” can break the ice and make the conversation more enjoyable.
- Avoiding Unnecessary Details
In casual situations, there’s no need to over-explain yourself. Keep your response simple, like, “Hey, it’s [Your Name] from [Where They Know You].”
Responding in Professional or Work-Related Settings
- Keeping It Clear and Concise
In professional environments, clarity is key. When asked “Who is this?” at work, you’ll want to be direct: “Hi, this is [Your Name] from [Company Name].”
- Confirming Identity While Maintaining Professionalism
It’s important to maintain professionalism, so avoid being overly informal. A straightforward approach, such as “This is [Your Name], we met at [event or context],” works best.
How to Respond to Potential Scammers
- Red Flags to Watch Out For
Scammers often ask for personal details or try to engage in vague conversations. If a “Who is this?” message is followed by a request for personal information, that’s a big red flag.
- Staying Safe Online and Offline
Always prioritize safety. If you suspect a scam, don’t respond at all. Instead, block the number or report the account.
How to Handle Anonymous Messages on Social Media
- Should You Respond at All?
When it comes to social media, not every message deserves a response. If someone you don’t recognize asks, “Who is this?” and their profile seems shady, it’s best not to engage.
- Protecting Your Privacy
Even if you choose to respond, avoid sharing too many personal details. Your privacy should always come first.
Using Humor to Break the Ice
- Light-Hearted Ways to Respond with Humor
If you’re comfortable with the person, humor can be a great way to respond. Something playful like, “It’s Batman—just kidding, it’s [Your Name]” can add some fun to the conversation.
- Balancing Fun and Clarity
While humor is great, make sure it doesn’t confuse the other person. After a light-hearted response, clarify your identity to keep the conversation flowing smoothly.
Responding When You Recognize the Person
- Refreshing the Connection Politely
If you recognize the person but they don’t seem to remember you, gently remind them of how you know each other: “Hey, it’s [Your Name], we met at [event].”
- Bringing Up Shared Memories or Context
Bringing up a shared experience can help jog their memory and make the conversation feel more personal: “It’s [Your Name]! We worked together on the [Project Name].”
What If You Don’t Want to Reveal Your Identity?
- How to Remain Anonymous
If you don’t want to reveal your identity, you can politely deflect the question by saying, “I prefer not to share my identity right now.”
- Politely Deflecting the Question
Alternatively, you can be more playful: “Someone mysterious for now, but let’s keep chatting!”
Mistakes to Avoid When Responding to “Who Is This?”
- Being Overly Defensive or Vague
Avoid coming across as defensive. If you’re vague or overly secretive, it could make the other person suspicious or uncomfortable.
- Ignoring Important Red Flags
If the message seems suspicious, don’t ignore the red flags. It’s better to err on the side of caution.
How Tone and Word Choice Can Impact Your Response
- Why Tone Matters More Than You Think
Your tone can make or break the conversation. A friendly tone will put the other person at ease, while a cold or abrupt tone could lead to confusion.
- Crafting Responses That Avoid Confusion
Choose words carefully to ensure you’re clear and avoid misunderstandings. Simple, direct language is often best.
When It’s Best Not to Respond at All
- When to Let the Message Go Unanswered
Sometimes, the best response is no response. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure, don’t feel obligated to answer.
- Ignoring Spam and Unsafe Messages
Never respond to messages that seem like phishing attempts or spam. Ignoring them is the safest approach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to respond to “Who is this?” can be both practical and fun, whether you’re aiming for professionalism, humor, or simply clarity. With these 220+ responses, you’re now equipped to handle this question like a pro in any situation. And if you’re looking to further enhance your conversational skills, don’t forget to check out our guide on 220+ Best Responses to “What Are You Doing?” for even more clever and thoughtful replies.
FAQs
Q. How do you respond politely to “Who is this?”
A polite response would be clear and concise: “Hi, this is [Your Name], we met at [event or context].”
Q. Is it rude to ask “Who is this?”
Not necessarily. It depends on the tone and context. In professional or casual settings, it’s a common and acceptable question.
Q. Can I ignore a “Who is this?” text?
Yes, especially if the message seems suspicious or if you feel uncomfortable responding.
Q. What should I do if I get a “Who is this?” from an unknown number?
Before responding, assess whether the message is genuine or possibly spam. If unsure, you can ignore it.
Q. How can I make my response to “Who is this?” more engaging?
Use a light-hearted or humorous tone if the situation allows. Adding context or a shared memory can also make it more engaging.