Who's this or who's that

[Dready]

When my friend and I meet someone I don't know, should I ask my friend 'Who's that?' or 'Who's this?'. I've always had difficulties using 'this' and 'that'. Are there any rules regarding these pronouns that really work?

 

[nyota]

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I'm not a teacher
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If she was standing quite close (but not close enough for her to hear me ), I'd use 'this'. If she was standing farther away I'd go for 'that'.

 

[emsr2d2]

If she were standing close enough to hear you, I wouldn't use either. I think that would seem rude! Your friend should introduce you to her. If your friend doesn't do that, you can say to the girl "And you are...?" perhaps with a little smile on your face. Hopefully, then she'll introduce herself!

I agree with the previous answer though although I would probably favour "Who's that?" or "Who was that?" after she's gone!