What does it mean word for word?
The literal breakdown of 何の話をしてるの？ is 'what (nan) of (no) talk (hanashi) [object marker] (o) doing (shiteru) [question particle] (no)?', which translates to 'What of talk are you doing?'
Which one should you use?
Depending on the situation, you can use different variations. 何言ってるの？ and 何言ってんの？ are casual ways to ask 'What are you talking about?', with the latter being even more casual as it replaces 'ru' with 'n'. For a blunt, masculine and informal tone, often used to express confusion or irritation, you might use 何の話だ？
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of politeness varies significantly. For casual conversation among friends or family, use 何の話をしてるの？ or 何言ってるの？ In highly formal situations, you can use おっしゃることは何ですか？ to ask 'What are you referring to?' or 何をおっしゃっているんですか？ to ask 'What are you saying?'
How do you pronounce it?
nan no hanashi o shiteru no?
Did you know?
- The word 話 (hanashi) comes from the verb 話す (hanasu), which shares a root with the word for 'untying' or 'releasing', reflecting the idea of 'releasing' words from the mouth.
- Japanese culture often relies on high-context communication, meaning that instead of asking 'what are you talking about?', a person might simply remain silent to signal that the current topic is incomprehensible.
- The formal version おっしゃる (ossharu) is a special verb used only for the actions of others to show respect. You would never use this verb to describe your own talking, even when being extremely polite.
Examples in context
- そちらの意見は分かりません。何をおっしゃっているんですか？I don't understand your opinion. What are you talking about?
- ちょっと聞いてないから、何言ってるの？I didn't hear, so what are you talking about?
- さっきから変なこと言ってるけど、何言ってんの？You've been saying strange things, what are you talking about?
- 何の話をしてるの？Nani no hanashi o shiteru no?What are you talking about?
- 急に何の話をしてるの？Kyuu ni nani no hanashi o shiteru no?What are you talking about all of a sudden?
- 一体何の話をしてるの？Ittai nani no hanashi o shiteru no?What on earth are you talking about?
Example conversation
Yuta and Yui are sitting in a cafe when Yui suddenly brings up a strange topic.
- 結衣 Yui来月、引っ越すことにしたんだ。Raigetsu, hikkosu koto ni shita n da.I've decided to move next month.
- 陽太 Yotaえっ、何の話をしてるの？E, nani no hanashi o shiteru no?Wait, what are you talking about?
- 結衣 Yuiさっき言ったでしょ？Sakki itta desho?I just told you, didn't I?
- 陽太 Yota全然聞いてなかったよ。Zenzen kiite nakatta yo.I wasn't listening at all.
