Learning how to ask “What is this called?” in Japanese can be a useful phrase to have in your language arsenal. Whether you are a beginner or already have some knowledge of Japanese, being able to inquire about the name of an object can help in various situations. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to ask this question, and also provide you with some regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Ways to Ask “What Is This Called?” in Japanese
If you want to sound more polite or respectful, using formal language is important. Here are a few ways to ask the question formally:
1. これはなんと言いますか？ (Kore wa nan to iimasu ka?)
This phrase translates to “What do you call this?” It is a polite and common way to ask for the name of something. Remember to use the appropriate intonation and pronunciation to convey politeness.
2. これは何ていうのですか？ (Kore wa nante iu no desu ka?)
This expression translates to “What is this called?” It maintains a polite tone and is often used in formal settings or when speaking to strangers. Ensure you enunciate each word clearly.
Informal Ways to Ask “What Is This Called?” in Japanese
In casual or informal situations, you can use less formal language to ask the same question. Here are a few examples:
1. これはなんていうの？ (Kore wa nante iu no?)
This phrase is a more relaxed way of saying “What do you call this?” It is commonly used among friends, family, or in casual conversations. Note that dropping the polite ending particle “ka” makes it less formal.
2. これの名前は何？ (Kore no namae wa nani?)
This expression translates to “What is the name of this?” It is a straightforward and informal way to ask about the name of something. It’s often used in everyday conversations among peers.
Regional Variations
Regional variations might exist in asking “What is this called?” across different areas in Japan. While the previous phrases are universally understood and can be used throughout Japan, you may come across variations in specific regions. Here is one example:
1. これはなんて言うの？ (Kore wa nante iu no?)
Note: The phrase “nante iu no” (what do you say) is commonly used in the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto. If you are in that area, using this phrase will help you sound more familiar with the local dialect.
Tips for Usage
Now that you have some phrases to work with, here are a few tips to keep in mind when using them:
1. Politeness Matters
Japanese culture places great importance on politeness. If you are unsure about the level of formality required, it is better to err on the side of caution and use more polite expressions, especially when speaking with someone you do not know well or in a formal setting.
2. Pronunciation and Intonation
Practice the correct pronunciation and intonation of the phrases to ensure you are understood correctly. Japanese is a tonal language, and slight variations in pitch can change the meaning of words, so pay attention to pronunciation patterns.
3. Context Matters
Consider the context in which you are asking the question. If you are in a store or restaurant, adding “お願いします” (onegai shimasu) meaning “please” at the end of the question can make it even more polite and appropriate.
Examples
To help you further, here are a few examples demonstrating the usage of these phrases in different scenarios:
- Formal Example: At a museum, you could ask the curator, “これは何ていうのですか？” (Kore wa nante iu no desu ka?) to inquire about the name of an exhibit.
- Informal Example: When having dinner with friends, you may point at a dish and casually ask, “これはなんていうの？” (Kore wa nante iu no?), meaning “What do you call this?”
- Regional Variation Example: In Osaka, you might say, “これはなんて言うの？” (Kore wa nante iu no?) to blend in with the local dialect while asking someone in the area about the name of something.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and Japanese locals will appreciate your effort to communicate in their language. Even if you make mistakes, your willingness to learn and ask for help will be warmly received.
