Nani
Nani is a Japanese word meaning 'what' that is often used as a meme in English-speaking internet culture.
While Nani itself is Japanese, if you are looking for ways to express 'what' or disbelief in French, you have several options. You can use Qu'est-ce que c'est que ça? to show bewilderment, or C'est quoi ça? to express surprise or confusion when faced with unexpected information in a conversational way.
Which one should you use?
To express 'what' in French, the choice of phrase depends on your intent. Qu'est-ce que c'est que ça? is used to show disbelief, whereas C'est quoi ça? is used more generally to express surprise or confusion in a conversational manner.
Did you know?
- To mirror the confusion of a meme, you could say Pardon? with a rising tone, which functions as a polite but stunned 'What did you just say?'
- To mimic the dramatic shock often associated with 'nani' memes, a French speaker might use the phrase Quoi?! with a rising intonation to signal that they are completely stunned by a revelation.
Examples in context
- Tu as dit quoi ? Nani ?What did you say? Nani?
- Nani ! C'est incroyable.Nani! That is incredible.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are looking at an internet meme.
- ManonRegarde ce meme, Nani !Look at this meme, Nani!
- NathanJe ne comprends pas la blague.I don't understand the joke.
- ManonC'est juste pour faire Nani.It's just to do the Nani thing.
- NathanD'accord, je vois maintenant.Okay, I see now.
