Gaining proficiency in a new language is an exciting journey, and learning how to express yourself in different situations is vital. In this guide, we will explore how to say “What are you saying?” in Japanese, covering both formal and informal ways to address this question. Let’s dive in and discover various tips and examples along the way!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions
In formal situations, such as speaking with strangers or addressing elders, it is essential to use polite language. Here are a few formal ways of asking “What are you saying?” in Japanese:
- “何を言っているのですか？” (Nani o itte iru nodesu ka?)”
This is a straightforward and polite expression to ask someone, “What are you saying?” Note that the formal ending “nodesu ka” adds politeness to the sentence. - “おっしゃっていることは何ですか？” (Osshatte iru koto wa nan desu ka?)”
This expression is even more polite and conveys respect. It is suitable for professional or formal situations where you want to address someone with utmost politeness.
2. Informal Expressions
In informal situations, such as talking to friends or peers, a more casual language can be used. Below are a couple of informal ways to ask “What are you saying?” in Japanese:
- “何言ってんの？” (Nani itten no?)”
This is a casual expression used among friends to ask “What are you saying?” The ending “no” adds a friendly tone to the sentence. - “何言ってんのさ？” (Nani itten no sa?)”
This is another variation of the informal expression, with “sa” added to make the sentence sound more casual and friendly.
3. Examples
Let’s explore some examples to better understand the context in which these expressions can be used:
Formal:
Person A: 田中さんのプレゼン、どう思いますか？ (Tanaka-san no purezen, dou omoimasu ka?)
Person B: すみません、何を言っているのですか？ (Sumimasen, nani o itte iru nodesu ka?)Translation:
Person A: What do you think about Tanaka’s presentation?
Person B: I’m sorry, what are you saying?
Informal:
Person A: 今度のライブ、行く？ (Kondo no raibu, iku?)
Person B: え？何言ってんの？ (E? Nani itten no?)Translation:
Person A: Are you going to the upcoming concert?
Person B: Huh? What are you saying?
4. Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to enhance your understanding of this phrase:
- Pay attention to context: The tone and politeness of your expression should match the situation you are in. Observe how native speakers interact and use appropriate language accordingly.
- Body language: Non-verbal cues like nodding or raising an eyebrow can further clarify your question. They can help you convey the meaning more effectively while speaking in Japanese.
- Practice pronunciation: Pay attention to the pronunciation of each word in the expressions to ensure clear communication. Practice with native speakers or language learning apps to improve your fluency.
Congratulations! Now you know how to ask “What are you saying?” in both formal and informal Japanese. Remember to practice regularly and take every opportunity to communicate with native speakers. Soon, you’ll be even more confident in using this phrase and many others!
