どうしたの？
dōshita no?
In Japanese, "what is wrong with you?" is translated as どうしたの？ (dōshita no?)
This phrase is most commonly used to express genuine concern when someone looks upset or unwell. However, it can also be used in a confrontational way to ask "what is wrong with you?" in a sharper sense.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The informal version どうしたの？ is typically used with friends, family or people of lower social status. For strangers, superiors or in formal settings, you should use the polite version どうしたんですか？
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle の at the end of どうしたの？ is an explanatory particle that adds a soft, inquisitive tone, which is often used when seeking an explanation or showing concern.
How do you pronounce it?
dōshita no?
Did you know?
- Japanese has a concept called kuuki wo yomu or 'reading the air'. Often, a person will realize something is wrong without ever asking どうしたの？ to avoid making the other person uncomfortable.
- If someone is acting truly bizarre, a Japanese speaker might use どうしちゃったの？ instead. The addition of ちゃった implies that something unexpected or irreversible has happened to the person.
- While どうしたの？ asks what is wrong, a Japanese person might respond with なんでもない, which means 'it is nothing'. This is a culturally common way to avoid burdening others with one's problems.
Examples in context
- どうしたの？顔色が悪いよ。Doshita no? Kaoiro ga warui yo.What is wrong? You look pale.
- 急に泣いて、どうしたの？Kyuu ni naite, doshita no?What is wrong? You suddenly started crying.
- さっきから元気がないけど、どうしたの？Sakki kara genki ga nai kedo, doshita no?You haven't been yourself for a while, what is wrong?
Example conversation
Misaki notices Youta looking very upset in the break room.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くん、どうしたの？Youta-kun, doshita no?Youta, what is wrong with you?
- 陽太 Yota少し疲れただけだよ。Sukoshi tsukareta dake da yo.I'm just a little tired.
- 美咲 Misaki何か悩みがあるなら、話して。Nani ka nayami ga aru nara, hanashite.If something is bothering you, please tell me.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう。でも、大丈夫だよ。Arigatou. Demo, daijoubu da yo.Thank you. But, I'm okay.
