If someone was born and raised in Poland, for example, then went to the United States and lived there, they would be considered Polish American.
My story, however, is a bit more complicated. I was born in Chile and stayed there with my family until I moved out as a child. Then, I lived in Brazil until I was 13 and moved to the United States. When I was 17, my family and I moved to France. Am I just Chilean-French or something? Chilean?
If asked, I would just say « Je suis né au Chili mais je réside à France maintenant. »
Depends on the context. Chilean probably.
However I would stick with the one that is likely to get you into the least trouble in that situation.People really shouldn’t judge people based on where they come from, but they do. So if you know the safe answer go with that, or avoid answering.
In my friend circles even a question “where are you from?” is considered a bit rude.
Like who cares in 2025 - we will know each other better and eventually you will hear my life story, but asking that when we’ve just met - what for? What it would change?
It can be a very interesting conversation starter. I love hearing about the places people grew up, and how they ended up in the place they currently live. It’s a much better topic than the small talk about work or TV shows or whatever else people discuss the first time they meet.
Then this is what OP should ask or answer :3
Where did you grow up is slightly different and much more gentle then “where are you from”?