Learning how to ask “What do you want to do?” in Japanese is a valuable skill that can help you initiate conversations and make plans with friends, family, or acquaintances. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of asking this question, providing you with various tips and examples to enhance your understanding. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way:
If you want to ask someone, such as a senior, a stranger, or someone you have newfound respect for, there is a polite way to phrase the question. Use the following phrase:
“どのようなことをなさりたいですか？”
(Dono youna koto o nasaritai desu ka?)
Breaking down the formal phrase:
- どのような (dono youna) – meaning “what kind of.”
- こと (koto) – a noun-forming particle used to indicate the idea of an action.
- を (o) – the object marking particle.
- なさりたい (nasaritai) – the polite form of the verb “to do” (する/suru).
- ですか (desu ka) – a polite question-ending phrase.
An example of using this formal phrase in a sentence:
田中さん、どのようなことをなさりたいですか？
(Tanaka-san, dono youna koto o nasaritai desu ka?)
Tanaka-san, what kind of things would you like to do?
Remember to use respectful language, maintain proper body language, and show consideration when using the formal expression.
Informal Way:
When speaking to friends, family, or anyone in a casual setting, you can use a more relaxed and natural way of asking “What do you want to do?”. Employ the following phrase:
“何したい？”
(Nani shitai?)
Breaking down the informal phrase:
- 何 (nani) – meaning “what.”
- したい (shitai) – the casual form of the verb “to want to do” (する/suru).
An example of using this informal phrase in a sentence:
友達、何したい？
(Tomodachi, nani shitai?)
Hey friend, what do you want to do?
By using this informal expression, you can create a more friendly and relaxed atmosphere during conversations with peers or close acquaintances.
Additional Tips:
Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind when using these phrases:
- Context Matters: Always consider the context within which you are asking the question. This will help you determine whether a formal or informal approach is more appropriate.
- Tone of Voice: Pay attention to your tone of voice. A warm and friendly tone can make your question sound more inviting and engaging.
- Non-Verbal Cues: Alongside the words you use, body language and facial expressions can convey your intentions and level of formality.
- Listen Actively: After asking the question, actively listen to the person’s response and show genuine interest.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Practice incorporating new vocabulary related to activities and hobbies to enrich your conversations.
Remember, language learning is a journey, and making mistakes is part of the process. Embrace the challenge and continue practicing to improve your Japanese communication skills!
Enjoy your journey of learning Japanese and engaging in exciting conversations with native speakers.
