Japanese is a beautiful language and expressing curiosity about the meaning of certain words or phrases is a common part of language learning. In this guide, we’ll explore how to ask “What does that mean?” in Japanese, including formal and informal expressions. We’ll also provide some useful tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations. So, let’s dive in and uncover the various ways to express this query!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When you want to ask “What does that mean?” in a more formal setting, such as during business interactions or with strangers, it’s essential to use polite language. Here are a few ways to do so:
1. それはどういう意味ですか？(Sore wa dou iu imi desu ka?)
This is a straightforward and versatile expression that can be used in various situations. It politely translates to “What does that mean?”
2. それは何を意味していますか？(Sore wa nani o imi shite imasu ka?)
Another polite way to ask about the meaning of something. This expression implies a similar meaning to the first one.
Informal Expressions
In casual and informal situations, you may choose to use more relaxed language. Here are a couple of informal expressions to ask about the meaning of something:
1. それはどういう意味？(Sore wa dou iu imi?)
This casual expression drops the polite ending “desu ka?” and results in a more laid-back way of asking “What does that mean?”
2. それって何の意味？(Sore tte nan no imi?)
This expression is commonly used among friends or peers, and it translates to “What’s the meaning of that?”
Tips and Examples
Tips:
- When asking about the meaning of a specific word, you can replace “sore” (that) in the expressions with the word you want to inquire about.
- Non-verbal cues, such as a puzzled facial expression or a gesture, can help convey your curiosity even more effectively.
- Remember to maintain a polite tone when interacting with strangers or people of higher social status.
Examples:
Let’s have a look at some examples of these expressions in action:
Formal:
A: この言葉の意味は何ですか？(Kono kotoba no imi wa nan desu ka?)
B: この言葉は「ありがとう」という意味です。(Kono kotoba wa “arigatou” to iu imi desu.)
Translation:
A: What does this word mean?
B: This word means “thank you.”
Informal:
A: 最後のセリフの意味は何？(Saigo no serifu no imi wa nani?)
B: それは「さよなら」って意味だよ。(Sore wa “sayonara” tte imi da yo.)
Translation:
A: What does the last line mean?
B: It means “goodbye.”
Regional Variations
Japanese is spoken across various regions, and minor variations in expressions can be observed. However, when it comes to asking “What does that mean?” the formal and informal expressions mentioned earlier are widely used throughout Japan. It is more important to focus on these standard expressions rather than specific regional variations.
Wrap-up
Congratulations! You have learned several ways to ask “What does that mean?” in Japanese. Whether you need to express yourself formally or casually, you now have the tools to confidently inquire about the meaning of words or phrases. Remember to adapt your language to the situation and the level of formality required. Keep practicing, and your Japanese language skills will continue to flourish!
