Understanding the Basics: How to Say “What” in Japanese

In Japanese, the word “what” can be expressed in several ways depending on the context, formality, and sentence structure. The most common Japanese word for “what” is 何 (なに, nani). However, variations and specific phrases exist that serve different grammatical and conversational purposes.

Common Words for “What” in Japanese

• 何 (なに, nani): The standard and most widely used form of “what.” It is used in questions to inquire about an object, action, or concept.
• 何ですか (なんですか, nan desu ka): A polite way to ask “What is it?” or “What?” often used in formal or polite conversations.
• 何を (なにを, nani o): Used when “what” is the object of the verb in a sentence, often followed by an action verb.
• 何か (なにか, nanika): Means “something” or “anything,” used when the speaker is uncertain about what exactly is being referred to.
• 何で (なんで, nande): Means “why” or “how come,” but can sometimes be confused with “what” in casual speech.

Understanding these variations is crucial when learning how to say what in Japanese effectively.

How to Use “What” in Different Sentence Structures

Japanese sentence structure differs significantly from English, so knowing how to place “what” correctly in a sentence is essential.

Basic Question: “What is this?”

The most straightforward way to ask “What is this?” in Japanese is:

• これは何ですか？ (Kore wa nan desu ka?)

Breakdown:

• これ (kore): this
• は (wa): topic marker
• 何 (nan): what
• ですか (desu ka): polite question ending

This sentence is polite and commonly used in formal situations or when speaking to strangers.

Using “What” as an Object: “What are you eating?”

When “what” acts as the object of a verb, the particle を (o) follows it:

• 何を食べていますか？ (Nani o tabete imasu ka?)

Breakdown:

• 何を (nani o): what (object)
• 食べていますか (tabete imasu ka): are you eating?

This form is essential when asking about actions involving “what.”

Casual Speech Variations

In informal contexts, especially among friends or younger speakers, the polite ですか (desu ka) ending is often dropped:

• これ何？ (Kore nani?) – “What is this?”
• 何食べる？ (Nani taberu?) – “What will you eat?”

Learning when to use formal versus casual forms is part of mastering how to say what in Japanese appropriately.

Common Phrases and Expressions Using “What”

Expanding your vocabulary with set phrases will help you sound more natural and fluent.

Asking “What time is it?”

• 今何時ですか？ (Ima nanji desu ka?)
• 今 (ima): now
• 何時 (nanji): what time

“What’s your name?”

• お名前は何ですか？ (Onamae wa nan desu ka?)
• お名前 (onamae): your name (polite)

“What do you want?”

• 何が欲しいですか？ (Nani ga hoshii desu ka?)
• 欲しい (hoshii): want

Common Mistakes When Using “What” in Japanese

Learning how to say what in Japanese can be tricky due to particles and context. Avoid these common errors:

• Misusing particles: Using は (wa) instead of を (o) when “what” is the object can change the meaning of the sentence.
• Confusing 何 (nani) with なん (nan): なん is a shortened form used before certain particles (e.g., 何ですか becomes なんですか).
• Ignoring formality: Using casual forms in formal situations may seem rude.

Tips for Practicing How to Say “What” in Japanese

Incorporating the use of “what” into daily practice will accelerate your learning. Here are some effective strategies:

• Use Talkpal: Engage with native speakers through Talkpal’s language exchange platform to practice real-life conversations.
• Flashcards: Create flashcards with questions using “what” to test your recall and sentence formation skills.
• Listening Practice: Watch Japanese shows or listen to podcasts and pay attention to how “what” is used in various contexts.
• Writing Exercises: Write your own questions incorporating “what” and have them corrected by native speakers or teachers.

Conclusion

Mastering how to say what in Japanese is a foundational skill that opens the door to more complex conversations and deeper cultural understanding. From the basic 何 (nani) to polite forms like 何ですか (nan desu ka), knowing the right word and structure to use in different contexts is crucial. Using platforms like Talkpal can provide interactive, practical experience, making the learning process more engaging and effective. By practicing regularly and paying attention to particle use and formality, learners can confidently ask questions and communicate clearly in Japanese.