How to Say “What Is That?” in Japanese
Learn How to Express “What Is That?” in Japanese
If you’re interested in learning how to ask “What is that?” in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place. This simple phrase can be useful in various situations when you want to inquire about an object, person, or concept. Let’s explore the different ways to express “What is that?” in Japanese.
“Sore wa nan desu ka?” – The Standard Expression
The most common way to ask “What is that?” in Japanese is by using the phrase “Sore wa nan desu ka?” Here’s a breakdown of the components of this expression:
– “Sore” (それ): This word translates to “that” and refers to something near the person you are speaking to.
– “wa” (は): A particle used to mark the topic of the sentence. In this case, it indicates that you are asking about a particular thing.
– “nan” (なん): This is the question word that means “what.”
– “desu ka?” (ですか？): This phrase is a polite way to form a question in Japanese. It adds a level of politeness and respect to your inquiry.
When combined, “Sore wa nan desu ka?” literally translates to “What is that?” and is commonly used in everyday conversations.
Additional Expressions for “What is that?”
While “Sore wa nan desu ka?” is the standard expression, there are a few other ways to ask “What is that?” depending on the situation and your familiarity with the person you’re speaking to. Here are a few alternatives:
1. “Kore wa nan desu ka?” (これはなんですか？): This expression is similar to the standard version but refers to something near you, rather than near the person you’re speaking to. It translates to “What is this?”
2. “Ano hito wa nan desu ka?” (あの人はなんですか？): If you want to ask about a specific person and inquire about their identity, you can use this expression. It means “What is that person?”
3. “Sore wa nandesu ka?” (それはなんですか？): This variation is a slightly more informal way to ask “What is that?” It drops the “wa” particle and uses “nandesu ka?” instead of “nan desu ka?”
Politeness and Context
In Japanese culture, politeness is highly valued, and it’s essential to adjust your language based on the situation and the level of formality required. Using the polite expressions mentioned above is generally appropriate in most situations, especially when speaking to someone you are not familiar with or in formal settings. However, if you are in a casual or informal setting with friends or family, you can opt for a less formal expression like “Sore wa nan?” or “Kore wa nan?”
Conclusion
Now you know how to say “What is that?” in Japanese. The standard expression is “Sore wa nan desu ka?” which translates directly to “What is that?” You can also use alternative expressions such as “Kore wa nan desu ka?” or “Ano hito wa nan desu ka?” depending on the context and the specific object or person you are referring to. Remember to consider the level of formality and adjust your language accordingly. With these phrases in your Japanese language arsenal, you’ll be able to inquire about unknown objects or seek clarification on various subjects during your conversations in Japanese
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