どう言いますか
dō iimasu ka
In Japanese, the phrase for "how do I say" is どう言いますか (dō iimasu ka).
You use this phrase to ask for the translation or the correct wording of something in another language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase どう言いますか is composed of dō (how), iimasu (to say, polite form) and ka (question particle).
Which one should you use?
While どう言いますか is a direct way to ask "how do I say", どう言えばいいですか is a more natural way to ask for advice on the best way to express something, meaning "how should I say (it)?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form どう言いますか uses the polite -masu form, making it suitable for use with teachers, strangers or in a classroom setting. For a polite and straightforward way to ask, you can use どのように言いますか. In informal situations, such as with friends or family, you can use the casual version どう言うの or the informal phrase なんて言うの.
How do you pronounce it?
dō iimasu ka
Did you know?
- In Japanese, people often avoid using the word 'I' in どう言いますか, because the subject is usually implied by the context of the conversation.
- When asking どう言いますか, a Japanese speaker might tilt their head slightly to the side to signal a request for help and a humble attitude.
- The word 言 in 言います is a kanji that contains a radical representing a 'mouth', visually signaling its connection to speech.
Examples in context
- 日本の新年の挨拶はどのように言いますか？How do I say the Japanese New Year's greeting?
- 日本では「あけましておめでとうございます」と言います。In Japan, we say 'Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu'.
- この単語を日本語でどう言いますか？How do you say this word in Japanese?
- このフレーズを日本語でどう言うの？How do you say this phrase in Japanese?
- 「友達 (ともだち)」と言うよ。We say 'Tomodachi'.
- このスラングを日本語でなんて言うの？How do you say this slang in Japanese?
- これは日本語でどう言いますか。Kore wa Nihongo de dou iimasu ka.How do I say this in Japanese?
- 「ありがとう」は英語でどう言いますか。"Arigatou" wa Eigo de dou iimasu ka.How do I say "Arigatou" in English?
Example conversation
Misaki is asking Ren for help with a Japanese phrase.
- 美咲 Misakiすみません、これは日本語でどう言いますか。Sumimasen, kore wa Nihongo de dou iimasu ka.Excuse me, how do I say this in Japanese?
- 蓮 Ren「こんにちは」と言います。"Konnichiwa" to iimasu.You say "Konnichiwa".
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さん、ありがとうございます。Ren-san, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you, Ren.
- 蓮 Renいいえ、どういたしまして。Iie, dou itashimashite.No, you're welcome.
