Greetings and salutations! If you are eager to learn how to say “What do you say?” in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to express this phrase, highlighting various tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive right into the fascinating world of Japanese language!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, where politeness is paramount, the following phrases will serve you well:
1. 何と言いますか？ (Nan to iimasu ka?)
This elegant construction is the most common way to ask “What do you say?” in a formal setting. It is used when addressing someone of higher social status, such as a respected colleague, elder, or your boss. This phrase reflects your respectful and courteous approach in Japanese culture.
2. どのように申し上げますか？ (Dono you ni moushiagemasu ka?)
If you are looking for a more sophisticated and formal version of the question, this phrase is a perfect fit. Employing this phrase demonstrates your elevated politeness and respect towards the person you are addressing. It is suitable for professional settings or when conversing with someone of notable authority.
Informal Expressions
On the other side of the politeness spectrum, we have informal expressions. These are useful in casual conversations among friends, peers, or family members. Let’s take a look at how to say “What do you say?” in an informal manner:
1. 何って言う？ (Nan tte iu?)
This informal phrase is handy when chatting with your friends or close acquaintances. It reflects a friendly and relaxed tone, allowing you to express curiosity without the need for extra formality.
2. なんて言う？ (Nante iu?)
If you wish to appear even more laid-back and casual in your approach, this expression is ideal. This phrase is perfect for conversations among friends or people of similar status. However, be cautious not to use this in more formal or professional contexts, as it may be considered impolite.
Additional Tips and Examples
Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal ways to say “What do you say?” in Japanese, let’s explore some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding:
1. Introduce Context:
When initiating a conversation with “What do you say?” in Japanese, providing context can be helpful to clarify what you are referring to. For example:
– あの映画、面白かった。何と言いますか？ (Ano eiga, omoshirokatta. Nan to iimasu ka?)
This translates to: “That movie was interesting. What do you say?” By mentioning the movie at the beginning, you establish the context, making your question more coherent.
2. Positive and Negative Responses:
Depending on the situation, you might expect a positive or negative response. Here are a few examples:
– A: 明日、遊びに行きませんか？ (A: Ashita, asobi ni ikimasen ka?)
– B: いいですね！何と言いますか？ (B: Ii desu ne! Nan to iimasu ka?)
Translation:
– A: “Do you want to go play tomorrow?”
– B: “That sounds great! What do you say?”
– A: 試験の勉強、手伝ってくれませんか？ (A: Shiken no benkyou, tetsudatte kuremasen ka?)
– B: ごめんなさい、時間がありません。何って言う？ (B: Gomen nasai, jikan ga arimasen. Nan tte iu?)
Translation:
– A: “Could you help me study for the exam?”
– B: “I’m sorry, I don’t have time. What do you say?”
3. Non-Literal Usage:
The Japanese language often includes non-literal usages. One such example is:
– 雨が降っているので、ピクニックは中止です。何と言いますか？ (Ame ga futte iru node, pikunikku wa chuushi desu. Nan to iimasu ka?)
This translates to: “Since it’s raining, the picnic is canceled. What do you say?” Here, the phrase is used to inquire about the opinion or reaction of others.
Learning how to say “What do you say?” in Japanese opens up numerous opportunities for engaging conversations and effective communication. Whether you opt for formal or informal expressions, always ensure your tone and choice of words align with the context and relationship with the person you’re conversing with. Practice diligently and enjoy the journey of mastering this beautiful language!
Happy learning!
