How do you say "Who are you?" in Japanese?

Question

What's the best way to say "Who are you?" in Japanese?

Would be "dare ga desu ka" or "dare ga da?"

Or, is there another more correct way to say this?

thx

Answer 1

Drop the "ga":

Dare desu ka?

Answer 2

You say either "anata wa dare desu ka" or "dare desu ka". The first sentence is is more of an iffy because anata isn't used much and as my teacher said it's used in romantic or up front (like fighting) situations. Also, there is no need to put a question mark after the "ka" because the "ka" already implies that it's a question. So, in actual Japanese writing they are:

- あなた　は　だれ　ですか。(anata wa dare desu ka.)

- だれ　ですか。(dare desu ka.)

Edit:

"Who is he?" would be "kare wa dare desu ka./かれ は だれですか。".

Answer 3

David S's answer is correct, but I would add that it's fine to use 'anata' even with strangers. Japanese speakers often just omit the 'you' and say 'dare desu ka'。 But that does sound a little direct and harsh. Using 'anata' would soften it a bit.

Also, what is the context? If you are asking someone's name you should say 'onamae wa nan desu ka.' 'Dare desu ka' might be used in a situation such as you go to school and someone is looking through your locker. It's a very direct and inquisitive question.