例えばどんな
tatoeba donna
The English phrase "like what" can be expressed in Japanese as 例えばどんな (tatoeba donna).
This phrase is used to ask for a specific example of something just mentioned.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'tatoeba' (for example) and 'donna' (what kind of).
Which one should you use?
Use 例えばどんなの when you want to say "like what" in a colloquial way without specifying a noun immediately. For a more formal tone, you can use 例えばどのような.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal expression, use 例えばどのような. If you are speaking colloquially, you can use the informal version 例えばどんなの.
How do you pronounce it?
tatoeba donna
Did you know?
- Depending on the intonation, どんな can be used not just to ask for an example, but to express disbelief or skepticism about a claim.
- While 例えば means 'for example', it is derived from 例 meaning 'example' and えば which is a conditional form meaning 'if'.
- While English speakers use 'like what' to prompt a response, Japanese speakers often use the equivalent 具体的には? (meaning 'specifically?') to demand more detail.
Examples in context
- 会議の準備はどのようなものが必要ですか？What kind of preparation is necessary for the meeting?
- この映画、どんな感じ？What is this movie like?
- 例えばどんなものですか？Tatoeba donna mono desu ka?Like what kind of things?
- 例えばどんな本を読んでるの？Tatoeba donna hon o yonderu no?Like what kind of books are you reading?
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are discussing their hobbies at a cafe.
- 陽太 Yota最近、新しい趣味を始めたんだ。Saikin, atarashii shumi o hajimeta n da.I recently started a new hobby.
- 美咲 Misaki例えばどんなこと？Tatoeba donna koto?Like what?
- 陽太 Yotaカメラで写真を撮ることだよ。Kamera de shashin o toru koto da yo.It is taking photos with a camera.
- 美咲 Misakiそれは楽しそうだね！Sore wa tanoshisou da ne!That sounds fun!
