Gaining knowledge of a foreign language is an exciting endeavor, and learning how to express basic phrases like “What is that?” in Japanese can greatly enhance your ability to communicate in Japan. Whether you’re a traveler wanting to engage with locals or a student exploring the language, this guide will equip you with the formal and informal ways to inquire about something’s identity. Additionally, we’ll provide examples, tips, and even touch on regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive into the rich linguistic world of Japanese!
Table of Contents
Formal Expression: それは何ですか？ (Sore wa nan desu ka?)
In formal situations or when addressing someone of higher status, it is advisable to use the sentence pattern “それは何ですか？” to ask “What is that?” in Japanese. This phrase is made up of three components:
- それ (sore): This pronoun means “that” and is used to refer to something close to the listener.
- は (wa): The particle “wa” marks the topic of the sentence, highlighting what is being asked about.
- 何ですか (nan desu ka): Literally translating to “what is it?”, this part seeks to know the identity of the object in question. The polite copula “desu” gives the sentence a formal vibe, while “ka” makes it an interrogative sentence.
Here are a couple of examples to illustrate the usage:
先生: それは何ですか？
(Sensei: Sore wa nan desu ka?)
Teacher: What is that?店員: それは手帳です。
(Ten’in: Sore wa techou desu.)
Shopkeeper: That is a notebook.
Remember to maintain a respectful tone when employing this formal expression, as it is especially important when conversing with superiors, strangers, or in formal settings like business meetings or interviews.
Informal Expression: あれは何？ (Are wa nan?)
In casual situations or when conversing among friends, classmates, or acquaintances, it is more appropriate to use the question pattern “あれは何？” to ask “What is that?” in Japanese. Let’s break down the elements of this more relaxed expression:
- あれ (are): This pronoun means “that” and is used to refer to something distant from both the speaker and listener. Its tone is less formal than “sore”.
- は (wa): Just like in the formal expression, this particle marks the topic of the sentence.
- 何 (nan): When the polite copula “desu” is omitted, as it often is in casual speech, “nan” stands alone to mean “what”. It should be noted that ending the phrase with a question mark is not customary in Japanese.
Take a look at these examples to better understand the informal usage:
友達: あれは何？
(Tomodachi: Are wa nan?)
Friend: What is that?兄: あれはサッカーボールだ。
(Ani: Are wa sakkābōru da.)
Brother: That is a soccer ball.
Remember to adapt your language style to match the appropriate level of formality based on the context and relationship with the person you are speaking to in order to establish rapport and avoid sounding overly casual or disrespectful.
Additional Tips and Variations
While the formal and informal expressions mentioned above cover most situations, there are a few additional tips and variations to keep in mind:
Variation: “What is That Over There?”
If you want to specifically ask about something that is far from both the speaker and listener, you can modify the informal expression slightly to include the word “あれ” (that) twice:
くるま: あれは何？
(Kuruma: Are wa nan?)
Car: What is that?なか: あれは何？
(Naka: Are wa nan?)
Inside: What is that?
Regional Variations
While Japanese is widely spoken throughout Japan, there are some regional variations that might be heard in certain areas. These variations mainly affect vocabulary and accents, rather than the structure of the phrase itself. The expressions we covered earlier, both formal and informal, should be well understood and accepted across the country.
Non-Verbal Communication
Remember that non-verbal communication can greatly assist in conveying your message. Pointing towards the object of your inquiry or using appropriate gestures can help ensure clarity, particularly if there are any language barriers.
Active Listening
Japanese people often refer to objects using pronouns or omitting them altogether after the topic has been established. Therefore, active listening is crucial to gain a better understanding of what is being discussed. Repeat or paraphrase what you hear to confirm your comprehension and show your engagement in the conversation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to say “What is that?” in Japanese is an essential skill when engaging in conversations or seeking to understand your surroundings. By familiarizing yourself with both the formal expression “それは何ですか？” and the informal expression “あれは何？” and adjusting your language to match the appropriate level of formality, you will be better equipped to navigate various situations. Don’t forget to incorporate non-verbal communication, actively listen, and adapt to any regional variations you may encounter. Enjoy your Japanese language journey!
