何ですか
The English phrase "what is" can be translated into Japanese as 何ですか.
何ですか is used to ask for information about a subject.
How does it change in a sentence?
何ですか is the polite form of 'what is' and is used to ask for information about a subject.
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific word 何気ない derived from 何 that describes something done without any particular intention or motive, often translated as 'casual' or 'nonchalant'.
- While 何ですか asks 'what is', simply saying 何? with a rising intonation is common in casual speech. However, using it with a superior can be perceived as aggressive or confrontational rather than just curious.
- If you hear 何ですか used as a response when someone calls your name, it often functions as 'Yes?' or 'What do you want?' rather than asking for a definition.
Examples in context
- 名前は何ですか。What is your name?This sentence is useful for asking for someone's name using 何ですか.Tatoeba #80778 by wat, translation #70623 by frpzzd
- 専攻は何ですか。What is your major?This sentence is useful for asking about a major using 何ですか.Tatoeba #141421 by tommy_san, translation #6713340 by Eccles17
- 趣味は何ですか。What is your hobby?This sentence is useful for asking about a hobby using 何ですか.Tatoeba #148465 by tommy__san, translation #6616325 by Eccles17
- 88 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are looking at a mysterious gift box.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、この箱は何ですか。Kenta-san, kono hako wa nan desu ka.Kenta, what is this box?
- 健太 Kentaこれは僕の誕生日プレゼントだよ。Kore wa boku no tanjōbi purezento da yo.This is my birthday present.
- 美咲 Misaki中身は何ですか。Nakami wa nan desu ka.What is inside it?
- 健太 Kentaまだ教えないよ。Mada oshienai yo.I won't tell you yet.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
