Guide to Saying “What are you” in Japanese

Greetings! Are you interested in learning how to say “What are you” in Japanese? Whether you wish to communicate formally or casually, this guide will provide you with the necessary knowledge to express this phrase fluently. Let’s begin!

Formal Expression:

When engaging in a formal conversation or addressing someone with respect, you can use the following phrase:

“Anata wa nan desu ka?”

The breakdown of this phrase is as follows:

• “Anata” – This is the word for “you,” indicating you are referencing the person you are speaking with.
• “wa” – This particle marks the subject of the sentence, in this case, “you.”
• “nan” – This word means “what.”
• “desu ka?” – This phrase transforms the statement into a question, similar to adding “are” in English, making it a polite way to inquire about someone’s identity.

To illustrate, imagine being in a formal setting, meeting someone for the first time:

You: “Anata wa nan desu ka?”

Person: “Watashi wa Tanaka-san desu.” (I am Mr./Ms. Tanaka.)

Informal Expression:

In a relaxed and informal setting, such as talking to friends or family, you can use a more casual expression:

“Omae wa nani?”

The breakdown of this informal phrase is as follows:

• “Omae” – This is an informal word for “you.”
• “wa” – It still functions as a particle marking the subject, like in the formal expression.
• “nani” – “Nani” simply means “what.”

Let’s imagine a casual conversation:

You: “Omae wa nani?”

Friend: “Boku wa video gemu o shite iru.” (I’m playing video games.)

Tips for Using the Phrases:

To enhance your understanding, consider the following tips:

1. Be mindful of the context: Understanding the situation will help you determine whether to use formal or informal expressions.
2. Pay attention to your audience: When speaking to someone older or in a position of authority, it’s crucial to use the formal expression to display respect.
3. Regional variations: Generally, these phrases are universal throughout Japan. However, some dialects or regions might have slight variations in pronunciation or vocabulary.
4. Non-verbal cues: Remember that language involves more than just words. Pay attention to non-verbal cues like body language and tone to interpret the true meaning behind someone’s response.
5. Practice, practice, practice: To improve your skills, practice speaking Japanese regularly, preferably with native speakers who can guide and correct you.

Additional Examples:

Let’s explore a few more examples to solidify your understanding:

1. “Kikai wa nan desu ka?” (What is the machine?)

2. “Onamae wa nan desu ka?” (What is your name?)

3. “Kaishain wa nanjin desu ka?” (What nationality is the employee?)

4. “Kore wa nan desu ka?” (What is this?)

Feel free to incorporate these phrases into your conversations and keep exploring more examples to expand your knowledge of the Japanese language.

Remember, language learning is a journey, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes and keep an open mind. Enjoy the process and embrace the cultural richness that comes with mastering Japanese!

That’s it for our comprehensive guide to saying “What are you” in Japanese. Best of luck in your language endeavors!