How To Say What Is This In Japanese

Communicating effectively in Japanese necessitates understanding fundamental phrases, and among the most essential is knowing how to inquire about the identity of an object. This seemingly simple query, "What is this?", can be expressed in multiple ways, each carrying subtle nuances dependent on the context and level of formality. This article will provide a structured guide to mastering these expressions.

Basic Expressions

The most straightforward and widely applicable way to ask "What is this?" in Japanese is using the phrase: これは何ですか？ (Kore wa nan desu ka?)

Let's break down this phrase:

• これ (Kore): This word translates to "this." It refers to something that is close to the speaker.
• は (Wa): This is the topic marker particle. It indicates that "kore" is the topic of the sentence. While written as "は," it is pronounced "wa" when used as a particle.
• 何 (Nan): This means "what." It's the interrogative word that signals the question. It can also be pronounced as "Nani" in certain contexts, which we'll explore later.
• です (Desu): This is a polite copula, essentially meaning "is." It functions as a verb to link the subject and predicate.
• か (Ka): This is the question particle. Adding it to the end of a sentence transforms it into a question.

Therefore, the literal translation of Kore wa nan desu ka? is "This, as for what, is it?". It's the most common and versatile way to ask "What is this?".

Example:

You see an unfamiliar object on a table near you.

You ask: これは何ですか？ (Kore wa nan desu ka?)

The person replies: それは本です。(Sore wa hon desu.) (That is a book.)

Variations and Nuances

Using Nani instead of Nan

While Nan is the more common pronunciation of 何 when asking "What?", Nani is also used in specific situations. Generally, Nani is used when 何 is followed by a vowel sound or when it's at the end of a sentence.

For example, you would use Nani in the phrase: 何ですか？ (Nan desu ka?) or 何をする？ (Nani o suru? – What are you doing?).

However, with Kore wa nan desu ka?, Nan is the standard and more natural pronunciation because 何 is followed by the "desu" sound.

Pointing to Something Further Away

If the object is not close to you but closer to the person you're speaking to, you would use それ (Sore), which means "that." The phrase becomes: それは何ですか？ (Sore wa nan desu ka?) - "What is that?"

If the object is far away from both you and the person you're speaking to, you would use あれ (Are), which means "that over there." The phrase becomes: あれは何ですか？ (Are wa nan desu ka?) - "What is that over there?"

These three words, Kore, Sore, and Are, are essential demonstrative pronouns in Japanese.

Adding Context with ～について (~ ni tsuite)

If you want to be more specific about what you're asking, you can add ～について (~ ni tsuite), which means "about." For instance, if you see a part of a machine you don't recognize, you could ask: これは何についてですか？ (Kore wa nan ni tsuite desu ka?) - "What is this about?" or "What is this related to?".

More Formal and Informal Alternatives

Formal: 失礼ですが、これは何でしょうか？ (Shitsurei desu ga, kore wa nan deshou ka?)

This phrase translates to "Excuse me, but what could this be?" It is significantly more polite and suitable for formal situations, such as speaking to someone of higher status or in a very formal setting. The use of でしょう (deshou) indicates a more humble and respectful tone.

Breaking it down:

• 失礼ですが (Shitsurei desu ga): "Excuse me, but..." (a polite introductory phrase)
• これは (Kore wa): "This" (topic marker)
• 何でしょうか (Nan deshou ka): "What could it be?" (very polite question)

Informal: これ、何？ (Kore, nani?)

In casual conversations with close friends or family, you can drop the polite copula "desu" and the question particle "ka." This results in a more informal and direct way of asking "What is this?". This phrase is only appropriate in very casual settings.

It's essential to remember that using informal language with someone you don't know well or someone older than you is considered rude.

Practical Advice and Everyday Insights

• Listen for the response: Pay close attention to the answer you receive. The vocabulary used to describe the object will help you expand your Japanese vocabulary.
• Practice pronunciation: Japanese pronunciation is crucial for clear communication. Use online resources or language partners to practice saying these phrases correctly. Pay attention to the pitch accent, which can alter the meaning of words.
• Context is key: Choose the appropriate level of formality based on the situation and your relationship with the person you're speaking to. When in doubt, err on the side of politeness.
• Combine with gestures: Pointing or gesturing towards the object you are asking about can help clarify your question, especially if there are any misunderstandings.
• Don't be afraid to ask: Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you feel unsure about your Japanese. Native speakers are usually happy to help learners.
• Use it every day: Look for opportunities to use these phrases in your daily life. Whether you're browsing a Japanese online store or watching a Japanese TV show, try to identify objects and ask yourself, "What is this?".

Mastering these simple phrases will greatly enhance your ability to navigate everyday situations in Japan or when communicating with Japanese speakers. Start with the basic Kore wa nan desu ka? and gradually incorporate the variations as you become more comfortable with the language and cultural nuances.