How to Say “Guess What” in Japanese: Formal and Informal Ways

Learning how to express “Guess what” in different languages can be a fun and exciting way to enhance your communication skills. In this guide, we will explore how to say “guess what” in Japanese, highlighting both formal and informal ways. Additionally, we will provide various tips, examples, and regional variations that might be useful for your language journey. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Guess What” in Japanese

When it comes to formal situations, it is important to use appropriate language to show respect. Here are a few ways to convey the phrase “guess what” formally in Japanese:

1. ・ “Oshietekudasai, _____ wa nan desu ka?”

This phrase literally translates to “Could you tell me what _____ is?” It is a polite way to ask someone to tell you something surprising or interesting. To use it, simply replace the “_____” with the subject you want someone to guess. For example, if you want to say “Guess what? I won a prize,” you would say: “Oshietekudasai, watashi wa yūshō o moraimashita.”

・ “Wakarimasu ka? Sore wa _____ desu yo.”

This construction means “Do you know? That is _____.” It can be used to share something exciting or surprising. For instance, if you want to say “Guess what? We’re going on a trip,” you would say: “Wakarimasu ka? Sore wa ryokō ni ikimasu yo!”

Informal Ways to Say “Guess What” in Japanese

Informal settings often allow for a more relaxed language style. Here are a couple of informal expressions you can use to say “guess what” in Japanese:

1. ・ “Nanka shiranai? _____ da yo!”

This phrase literally means “Don’t you know? It’s _____!” It is a casual way to convey excitement or surprise. To use it, insert the topic you want to share after the blank space. For example, if you want to say “Guess what? I bought a new car,” you would say: “Nanka shiranai? Atarashī kuruma ga kaimashita yo!”

・ “Tashika ni shiranai yo! _____ koto!”

This expression means “You definitely don’t know! It’s about _____!” It can be used to build suspense before revealing something interesting or surprising. For instance, if you want to say “Guess what? I met a famous celebrity,” you would say: “Tashika ni shiranai yo! Yūmei na tarento ni atta koto!”

Tips and Examples

Here are a few additional tips and examples to further enhance your understanding of how to say “guess what” in Japanese:

Tip 1: Remember to adjust your language style based on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the person you are speaking to. This will help you communicate effectively while showing appropriate respect.

Example 1:
Formal: “Oshietekudasai, kotoshi no shūkan chōsen-shi de nan-ji kara reisen-gaku kaishi ni narimasu ka?”
(Translation: “Could you tell me from what time the classes begin during this week’s examinations?”)

Example 2:
Informal: “Nanka shiranai? Kyō wa watashi no tanjōbi desu yo!”
(Translation: “Guess what? Today is my birthday!”)

Tip 2: It’s beneficial to learn basic Japanese vocabulary to better understand and express yourself in various situations. Expanding your vocabulary will make your conversations even more enjoyable.

Example 3:
Formal: “Wakarimasu ka? Sore wa ryokō ni mukatte no jōhō desu.”

(Translation: “Do you know? That is information about our upcoming trip.”)

Example 4:
Informal: “Tashika ni shiranai yo! Yūjō no shiken ni passu shita koto!”

(Translation: “You definitely don’t know! I passed the friendship exam!”)

Japanese Regional Variations

While the Japanese language has regional variations, the phrase “guess what” does not significantly change. However, some dialects or informal speech may have their own unique expressions to convey excitement or surprise. Exploring these regional variations can add depth to your language skills, but they are not essential for everyday conversation.