何
nani[na̠ɲ̟i]
The English word "what" is expressed in Japanese as 何 (nani).
何 is an interrogative pronoun used to ask "what". It can also function as an interjection to express surprise. Additionally, the related form 何と can be used to begin an exclamation.
Meaning: what? (interrogative pronoun) (pron)
Which one should you use?
While both nani and nan mean "what", they are used in different phonetic environments. Nan is used before counters, such as ji for o'clock and before sounds starting with 'd', such as the copula desu. In contrast, nani is used before particles like o or ga.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronunciation of 何 changes from nani to nan when it is immediately followed by certain counters or the copula desu.
How do you pronounce it?
nani
Did you know?
- While 何 means 'what', adding the particle か to create 何か changes the meaning to 'something'.
- When someone calls your name, replying with 何? can sound blunt or aggressive. It is more polite to use はい 'yes' to indicate you are listening, even if you are asking 'what' they want.
- The origins of the word link back to the Proto-Japonic root *n-anu-, which has been the core of the concept of 'what' for millennia.
Examples in context
- 何時ですか。What time do you have?This sentence is useful for asking the time using 何.Tatoeba #5059 by bunbuku, translation #24596 by blay_paul
- 何のために？For what?This sentence is useful for asking "for what" using 何.Tatoeba #187722 by bunbuku, translation #24862 by AMIKEMA
- 何に使うの？What for?Tatoeba #187729 by bunbuku, translation #24867 by CK
- 2814 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking in a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さん、何にしますか。Yui-san, nani ni shimasu ka.Yui, what will you have?
- 結衣 Yuiコーヒーにします。Ko-hi- ni shimasu.I'll have coffee.
- 健太 Kenta何を食べますか。Nani o tabemasu ka.What will you eat?
- 結衣 Yuiケーキを食べます。Ke-ki o tabemasu.I will eat cake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what” translations and entries 何, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 何, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
