Addressing strangers without knowing the name


How does one address a stranger in a casual conversation when name is unknown?
For example, I had a conversation with an older Japanese lady and I wanted to
compliment her on her English (but in Japanese, for some reason). Usually in
such situations I might've gone something like

> ○○さんは英語上手です。 or ○○さんの英語は上手です。

But without the name it is quite difficult for me at this point. Using あなた
feels really rude, neither I'm comfortable relying on zero-pronoun and going
英語は上手です without any context.

Should I inquire about person's name in such situations? (obviously, not right
before I have a sentence to use the name in).




As _YangMuye_ explained, honorifics can be used to clarify first and second
person without ever needing to use a first or second person pronoun. In that,
usage of 謙譲語{けんじょうご} implies I'm talking about me. Usage of 尊敬語{そんけいご} implies
I am talking about you.

An extended discussion about this topic can be read on the thread titled [そちら
as a second person
pronoun](http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=2644469). As far as I
can understand, that thread can fully explain your question.




As _YangMuye_ explained, honorifics can be used to clarify first and second
person without ever needing to use a first or second person pronoun. In that,
usage of 謙譲語{けんじょうご} implies I'm talking about me. Usage of 尊敬語{そんけいご} implies
I am talking about you.

An extended discussion about this topic can be read on the thread titled [そちら
as a second person
pronoun](http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=2644469). As far as I
can understand, that thread can fully explain your question.

