何者ですか
The English phrase "what are you" is translated into Japanese as 何者ですか.
The phrase 何者ですか is used when questioning someone's identity. It often implies that the person being addressed is a stranger, an intruder or someone with a hidden motive.
Which one should you use?
While 何ですか (nan desu ka) is used to ask "what is it" regarding an object or a situation, 何者ですか specifically asks about a person's identity or nature.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 何者だ is a more blunt, forceful or masculine way to ask "who/what are you" compared to the polite 何者ですか. Additionally, Omae is an informal word for "you."
Did you know?
- The word Omae, often used with the blunt 何者だ, was originally a very polite term meaning 'in front of me' before it became an informal and sometimes aggressive 'you'.
- The distinction between 何ですか and 何者ですか is so sharp that using the latter to ask for someone's job would be a major social blunder, sounding like you are accusing them of being a spy.
- While 何者 refers to a person's identity, the word 者 (mono) historically referred to a person based on their social class or professional role.
Examples in context
- あなたは一体、何者ですか？Anata wa ittai, nanimono desu ka?Who on earth are you?
- 彼は何者ですか？Kare wa nanimono desu ka?What is he?
Example conversation
A suspicious man approaches Misaki in a dark alley.
- 美咲 Misakiあなたは、何者ですか？Anata wa, nanimono desu ka?What are you?
- 健太 Kentaただの通りすがりですよ。Tada no toorisugari desu yo.I'm just a passerby.
- 美咲 Misaki怪しいですね。Ayashii desu ne.You are suspicious.
- 健太 Kentaそんなことはありません。Sonna koto wa arimasen.That is not the case.
