Learning how to say “what” in Japanese is an essential skill when it comes to communication. Whether you’re visiting Japan or studying the language, understanding the informal and formal ways to say “what” will greatly enhance your ability to connect with native Japanese speakers. So, let’s dive into how to express “what” in various situations, along with valuable tips and examples.
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Informal Ways to Say “What”
When using Japanese in a casual setting, such as with friends or family, you can express “what” in a few different ways. Here are the most common informal phrases:
- Nani – This is the most straightforward and widely used way to say “what” in Japanese. It can be used in various situations, such as asking “what’s this?” or “what happened?”.
- Dotchi – When you want to ask “which one?” or “which way?”, you can use “dotchi”. This can be particularly useful when making choices or deciding between different options.
- Kore wa – If you want to ask “what is this?”, you can use “kore wa”. This phrase is often used to inquire about specific objects or items.
- Dochira – This term is similar to “kore wa” but is used more when asking “which way?” or “which direction?”. It’s helpful when you’re not familiar with an area and need to find your bearings.
Formal Ways to Say “What”
When speaking formally, especially in professional or polite situations, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are the formal ways to say “what” in Japanese:
- Nani desu ka – This is the formal version of “nani” and is used to ask “what” in a polite manner. It is suitable when speaking to superiors, strangers, or in formal settings.
- Donata – If you’re referring to “who” in a formal context, use “donata” instead of “nani”. This word is used when you want to ask “who is it?” or “who called?”.
- Kore wa nan desu ka – Similar to “kore wa”, “kore wa nan desu ka” is the formal version used to ask “what is this?”. It is often employed when discussing specific objects or seeking clarification.
Tips for Using “What” in Japanese
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while using “what” in Japanese:
- Listening Comprehension – Pay attention to how native speakers use “what” in different situations. Listening to conversations, watching Japanese movies, or even attending language exchange events can help you become more familiar with its usage.
- Politeness and Respect – It’s crucial to use the appropriate level of politeness in Japanese. When in doubt, it’s better to lean towards being more polite, especially when speaking to people you are unfamiliar with.
- Context Matters – Like in any language, understanding the context is vital when using “what” in Japanese. Depending on the situation, you may need to adjust your phrasing or use a different form of “what”.
- Practice and Feedback – Practice speaking and using these phrases regularly. Seek feedback from native speakers to refine your pronunciation and ensure you’re using the correct form in any given situation.
Examples of “What” in Japanese
To further illustrate the usage of “what” in Japanese, here are some examples:
Informal:
– Friend 1: Sono resutoran wa oishii desu ka? (Is that restaurant delicious?)
– Friend 2: Nani? (What?)
Formal:
– Colleague 1: Sashiburi desu ne. Kyou wa nan no kenkyuu o shite imasu ka? (Long time no see. What research are you working on today?)
– Colleague 2: Watakushi wa kougaku no kenkyuu o shite imasu. (I’m working on mechanical engineering research.)
Remember that the usage of “what” may vary depending on the sentence structure and the specific situation. These examples showcase both the informal and formal manners of saying “what” in Japanese.
By mastering how to say “what” in informal and formal ways, you’ll greatly improve your Japanese language skills and engage in more meaningful conversations with native speakers. So, keep practicing and don’t be afraid to explore different contexts to further enhance your understanding.
