What does it mean word for word?
The components of the default form 今日は何をしたの? are: 今日 (kyou), meaning "today". 何 (nani), meaning "what". を (o), an object marker that marks 何 as the direct object of the verb. And した (shita), which is the past tense of the verb suru (to do).
Which one should you use?
While the default form 今日は何をしたの? is used in casual settings, other forms exist depending on the level of respect required. 今日は何をされましたか? is a highly formal version, and 今日は何をしたの? or 今日、何してたの? are informal variations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 今日は何をしたの? is informal and suitable for friends or family. The form 今日は何したの？ is also informal and commonly used among younger generations. For a polite setting, such as when speaking to strangers or superiors, use 今日は何をしましたか? When talking to superiors, elders or individuals you are not familiar with, the most appropriate form is 今日は何をされましたか?
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase, を (o) serves as the object marker for 何 (nani) and した (shita) functions as the past tense of the verb suru (to do).
How do you pronounce it?
Kyou wa nani o shita no?
Did you know?
- When answering this question, many Japanese speakers respond with 特に何も (tokuni nani mo), meaning 'nothing in particular', even if they were quite busy. This is a social tactic used to avoid appearing as if they are boasting about their productivity.
- The verb suru in the phrase 今日は何をしたの? is one of the most versatile words in Japanese, often combining with nouns to turn them into verbs.
- The word 何 (nani), meaning 'what', changes its pronunciation to nan when it appears immediately before certain counters or the copula verb.
Examples in context
- 今日は何をしたの？kyou wa nani o shita no?What did you do today?
- ねえ、今日は何をしたの？nee, kyou wa nani o shita no?Hey, what did you do today?
Example conversation
Ren asks Yui about her day via text message.
- 蓮 Ren結衣、今日は何をしたの？Yui, kyou wa nani o shita no?Yui, what did you do today?
- 結衣 Yui友達と買い物に行ったよ。tomodachi to kaimono ni itta yo.I went shopping with a friend.
- 蓮 Renそうなんだ。楽しかった？sou nanda. tanoshikatta?I see. Was it fun?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、とても楽しかったよ。un, totemo tanoshikatta yo.Yeah, it was very fun.
