Explanation
A polite way to ask 'who', used for asking about someone's identity or when seeking information about an unknown person.
Formation
どなた
Detailed explanation
The word どなた is a polite version of the question word だれ (who). It is used when asking about someone's identity or when seeking information about an unknown person in a polite or formal context. It can be used in questions and sometimes with も to express 'no matter who'.
Examples
Sumimasen, donata ga Yamada-san desu ka?
Excuse me, who is Mr. Yamada?
Donata mo shitte iru yuumei na haiyuu desu.
He is a famous actor whom everyone knows.
Ashita no paatii ni wa donata ga kimasu ka?
Who is coming to the party tomorrow?
Donata ka tetsudatte itadakemasu ka?
Could someone please help me?
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.