何
nani[na̠ɲ̟i]
The Japanese word for "what" is 何 (nani).
何 (nani) is an interrogative pronoun used to ask for information about an object, action or concept. It can also be used as an interjection to express surprise. Additionally, the related form 何と can be used at the beginning of an exclamation.
Meaning: what? (interrogative pronoun) (pron)
Which one should you use?
While both are forms of 何, the pronunciation shifts from nani to nan depending on the following sound. Nan is typically used before counters or before sounds starting with the letters d, n or t.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, the informal phrase なんやってん? is a common variation used to ask what someone said.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
nani
Did you know?
- While 何 (nani) is a standard pronoun, it is also a popular comedic trope in anime where characters shout it to signal extreme, often ridiculous, shock.
- In highly formal Japanese, asking 'what' directly with 何 can actually come across as blunt or even rude to the listener.
- The word 何 is derived from the Proto-Japonic root *n-anu-.
Examples in context
- 何時ですか。What time do you have?This sentence is useful for asking about the time using 何.Tatoeba #5059 by bunbuku, translation #24596 by blay_paul
- 何のために？For what?This sentence is useful for asking "for what" using 何.Tatoeba #187722 by bunbuku, translation #24862 by AMIKEMA
- 何に使うの？What for?Tatoeba #187729 by bunbuku, translation #24867 by CK
- 申し訳ありませんが、何とおっしゃいましたか?I'm sorry, what did you say?
- ごめんね、何って言ったの?Sorry, what did you say?
- ちょっと、何って言ったっけ?Hey, what did you say again?
- なんやってん?What did you say?
- 2814 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiそれは何ですか。Sore wa nan desu ka.What is that?
- 大翔 Hirotoこれは新しいケーキです。Kore wa atarashii keeki desu.This is a new cake.
- 美咲 Misaki何という名前ですか。Nan to iu namae desu ka.What is its name?
- 大翔 Hirotoチョコケーキです。Choko keeki desu.It is a chocolate cake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what” translations and entries 何, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 何, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
