Welcome to this guide on how to ask “How do you say” in Japanese! If you’re interested in learning how to inquire about the translation of words or phrases in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will cover both formal and informal ways of asking and provide useful tips, examples, and regional variations for your understanding. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Inquiring Formally
When engaging in a polite conversation or speaking to someone you don’t know well, it’s essential to use more formal language. To ask “How do you say” in a formal context, you can use the following phrases in Japanese:
1. “Anata wa dou iimasu ka?” (あなたはどう言いますか？)
This phrase literally translates to “How do you say?” and is a straightforward way to ask for a translation. Remember to adapt the vocabulary accordingly based on the word or phrase you want to inquire about.
2. “Kore wa Nihongo de dou iimasu ka?” (これは日本語でどう言いますか？)
This phrase translates to “How do you say this in Japanese?” and is commonly used to ask for the translation of a specific word or phrase.
3. “Nihongo de dou iu no desu ka?” (日本語でどういうのですか？)
This sentence can be translated as “How do you say it in Japanese?”. It’s a more polite way to ask for a translation and is often used in formal situations.
Inquiring Informally
In informal or casual situations, such as talking to friends, family, or people of a similar age, you can use less formal language. Here are some informal ways to ask “How do you say” in Japanese:
1. “Dou iu no?” (どういうの？)
This phrase is a casual way of asking “How do you say?” and is commonly used among friends or peers.
2. “Nihongo de dou iu?” (日本語でどういう？)
Similar to the previous example, this phrase is an informal way to ask “How do you say it in Japanese?” It’s commonly used when talking with friends or in casual conversations.
3. “Kore wa Nihongo de nanto iu?” (これは日本語でなんと言う？)
This sentence translates to “What do you call this in Japanese?” and is often used in informal settings among friends or family members.
Useful Tips and Examples
1. Adding a Specific Word or Phrase
To inquire about a specific word or phrase in Japanese, you can replace the word “this” with the word or phrase you want to know. For example, “How do you say ‘delicious’ in Japanese?” would be “Oishii wa Nihongo de dou iimasu ka?”
2. Non-verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication can also be helpful when asking for a translation. You can point to an object or write down the word or phrase you want to know in Japanese characters, making it easier for the other person to understand your request.
3. Regional Variations
Japanese language and culture may differ slightly across regions. While the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood, some regional variations may exist. For a comprehensive understanding, it’s beneficial to learn different regional dialects or expressions if you plan to travel or interact with people from specific areas.
Example:
Northern Japan: “Kono kotoba wa onushi wa nanto yoo suru?” (この言葉はおぬしはなんとようする？)
By familiarizing yourself with these regional variations, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the Japanese language and its cultural diversity.
Conclusion
In this guide, we covered various ways of asking “How do you say” in Japanese. You learned both formal and informal expressions, along with useful tips, examples, and even regional variations. Remember to adjust your language based on the formality of the situation and the relationship you have with the person you’re speaking to. By practicing these phrases and considering cultural nuances, you’ll be well-prepared to inquire about translations in Japanese. Enjoy your language learning journey, and have fun exploring the richness of the Japanese language!
