なんとなく
nantonaku
In Japanese, the phrase 'sort of' is expressed as なんとなく (nantonaku).
なんとなく is used to express a vague feeling, intuition or a partial understanding that lacks a specific or logical explanation. It conveys that you feel something to some extent, but not entirely.
Meaning: to some extent but not entirely (adv)
Which one should you use?
While sukoshi means 'a little' and is used to quantify the amount of something, なんとなく emphasizes the vagueness of a sensation or the fact that there is no clear reason for how you feel.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, なんとなく typically precedes the verb it modifies, such as in the phrase なんとなくわかります (to sort of understand).
How do you pronounce it?
nantonaku
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, using なんとなく can be a way of 'reading the air', signaling that the speaker is relying on a shared atmosphere or unspoken intuition rather than explicit facts.
- The phrase なんとなく can be used to decline an invitation politely without giving a specific reason. Saying 'I sort of cannot go' allows a speaker to avoid the social awkwardness of a direct 'no'.
- The phrase is often used as a standalone response to the question 'Why?' Answering with just なんとなく signals that the reason is intuitive and you do not wish to or cannot explain it further.
Examples in context
- 中国語はなんとなくわかります。I sort of understand Chinese.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have a partial understanding of the phrase なんとなく.Tatoeba #9807681 by small_snow, translation #10229042 by terrywallwork
- 彼の意見はある程度わかる。I sort of understand his opinion.
- 今日の映画はまあまあ面白かった。Today's movie was sort of interesting.
- ちょっと難しいかもしれない。It might be sort of difficult.
- この店のラーメンはちょっと高い。The ramen at this restaurant is sort of expensive.
- 彼とは少し違う。I sort of differ from him.
- 彼は少し変わった人だ。He is sort of a weird person.
- なんとなく、疲れています。nantonaku, tsukarete imasu.I'm sort of tired.
- なんとなく、嫌な予感がします。nantonaku, iyana yokan ga shimasu.I have a sort of bad feeling.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a movie they just watched.
- 陽葵 Himariあの映画、どうだった？Ano eiga, dou datta?What did you think of that movie?
- 陽太 Yotaなんとなく意味がわからなかったよ。Nantonaku imi ga wakaranakatta yo.I sort of didn't understand the meaning.
- 陽葵 Himariやっぱり。私もそう思う。Yappari. Watashi mo sou omou.I thought so. I feel the same way.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵もそうだったんだね。Himari mo sou datta n da ne.So you felt that way too, Himari.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
