Learning how to communicate politely is essential when studying any language, and Japanese is no exception. In Japanese, expressing oneself with politeness is deeply ingrained in the culture. One of the most common questions beginners have is how to say “what” politely in different situations. In this guide, we’ll explore various expressions for “what” in both formal and informal contexts, providing plenty of tips, examples, and even a glimpse into regional variations.
Table of Contents
1. Expressing Polite “What” in Formal Situations
When interacting formally in Japanese, it’s crucial to use respectful language. Here are a few ways to politely ask “what” in formal contexts:
1.1 “何とおっしゃいましたか?” (Nanto osshaimashita ka?)
This is the most polite form of asking “what” in Japanese. It is suitable for formal conversations and when talking with elders, superiors, or people you have just met.
Example: When talking to your colleague’s boss, you can ask, “申し訳ありませんが、何とおっしゃいましたか?” (Moushiwake arimasen ga, nanto osshaimashita ka?) meaning “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
1.2 “どのようなことを言いましたか?” (Dono you na koto o iimashita ka?)
This formal expression is suitable in situations where you want to convey a humble attitude when asking “what.”
Example: If you need clarification during a formal meeting, you can politely ask, “すみません、どのようなことを言いましたか?” (Sumimasen, dono you na koto o iimashita ka?) which means “Excuse me, what did you say?”
2. Informal Expressions for Polite “What”
Informal politeness is often used when speaking with friends, classmates, or colleagues you have a good relationship with. Here are two common expressions:
2.1 “何って言ったの?” (Nan tte itta no?)
This casual yet polite expression is perfect when conversing with someone at a similar social level or someone you know well. It conveys a polite tone while maintaining a friendly atmosphere.
Example: If you missed part of what your friend said, you can ask, “ごめんね、何って言ったの?” (Gomen ne, nan tte itta no?) meaning “Sorry, what did you say?”
2.2 “何って言ったっけ?” (Nan tte itta kke?)
This is another informal way of asking “what” while sounding polite. It is common among friends or peers who have a close relationship and can be used interchangeably with the previous expression.
Example: When you are chatting with your classmates and didn’t catch something, you can ask, “ちょっと、何って言ったっけ?” (Chotto, nan tte itta kke?) which means “Hey, what did you say again?”
3. Considerations for Regional Variations
While Japanese is relatively homogeneous in terms of language usage, there are a few regional variations to note. Here’s a popular variation from Kansai, which includes Osaka and Kyoto.
3.1 Kansai Dialect: “なんやってん?” (Nan yatten?)
In the Kansai region, including Osaka, a common variation of asking “what” informally is by using the Kansai dialect. People in Kansai generally understand Standard Japanese, but using their dialect can create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in informal situations.
Example: When joking with your friends from Osaka and didn’t hear something, you can ask, “なんやってん?” (Nan yatten?), meaning “What did you say?”
Conclusion
Politeness is a fundamental aspect of Japanese communication, and having a variety of ways to say “what” politely strengthens your language skills. In formal settings, expressions like “何とおっしゃいましたか?” and “どのようなことを言いましたか?” are appropriate choices. For informal situations, “何って言ったの?” and “何って言ったっけ?” strike a balance between politeness and familiarity. In the Kansai region, the variation “なんやってん?” adds a local touch to informal conversations. Practice these expressions, adapt them to fit the situation, and you’ll navigate polite conversations in Japanese with confidence!
