Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to ask “What is this?” in Japanese but don’t know how? Whether you’re a tourist exploring Japan or simply interested in learning the language, mastering this phrase is essential.
This guide will provide you with a user-friendly approach to understanding the Japanese language and unlocking the phrase “What is this?” It will cover everything from the basics of Japanese question phrases to the specific Japanese word used for “What is this?” We’ll also explore different ways to express the phrase and provide practical examples to help you understand it in real-life situations.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the tools you need to confidently ask “What is this?” in Japanese and take your language skills to the next level. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Basics of Japanese Question Phrases
Asking questions is an integral part of communicating in any language. In Japanese, question phrases follow a distinct structure that differs from English. It is essential to understand this structure and the different question words used in Japanese to effectively ask questions.
Japanese Question Phrase Structure
The basic structure of a Japanese question phrase is as follows: Question Word + Particle + Verb/Adjective + ka. The particle “ka” is added at the end of the phrase to indicate a question. For example:
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| What is this? | Kore wa nan desu ka? |
| Where is the station? | Eki wa doko desu ka? |
Notice how the question word and particle come before the verb or adjective in Japanese, which is the opposite of English. This structure might take some getting used to, but understanding it is crucial to asking questions in Japanese.
Question Words in Japanese
There are multiple question words used in Japanese, each with a specific meaning. Here are some common ones:
| Question Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nani | What |
| Doko | Where |
| Itsutsu | How many |
| Iie | No |
Using ‘What is This?’ in Japanese
The phrase “What is this?” translates to “Kore wa nan desu ka?” in Japanese. It is essential to note that the Japanese phrase directly translates to “This is what?”, which might sound strange to English speakers. However, it is grammatically correct in Japanese and conveys the same meaning.
It is also important to note that the phrase “What does this mean?” translates to “Kore wa nani o shimasu ka?” in Japanese. This phrase is typically used when trying to understand the meaning of a word or phrase in Japanese.
Now that you understand the structure and usage of question phrases in Japanese, you are ready to learn the specific Japanese word for “What is this?” in the next section.
Learning the Japanese Word for ‘What is This’
Now that you have a basic understanding of Japanese question phrases, it’s time to learn the specific Japanese word for “What is this?” In Japanese, the word for “What” is “何” (nani) and the word for “this” is “これ” (kore).
| English | Japanese (Hiragana) | Japanese (Kanji) |
|---|---|---|
| What is this? | これは何ですか？ | これは何ですか？ |
To properly pronounce “What is this?” in Japanese, you would say “Kore wa nandesu ka?” (pronounced as “ko-re-wa-nan-de-su-ka”).
It’s important to note that the word for “this” could differ depending on what you’re pointing to. For instance, if you’re pointing to an object that’s closer to the person you’re speaking to, you would use “kono” instead of “kore”. If you’re referencing an object that’s near the person you’re speaking to, you would use “sore”, and if it’s far from both of you, you would use “are”.
Now that you know the word for “What is this?” in Japanese, it’s time to explore different ways of expressing this phrase based on context and level of formality.
Expressing ‘What is This’ in Japanese Phrases
When it comes to expressing “What is this?” in Japanese, there are several variations you can use depending on the formality level and context. Here are some examples:
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| これは何ですか？ | Kore wa nan desu ka? | What is this? |
| これは何？ | Kore wa nani? | What is this? |
| これは何というものですか？ | Kore wa nan to iu mono desu ka? | What do you call this? |
The first two phrases are the most common ways to ask “What is this?” in Japanese. The first phrase, “Kore wa nan desu ka?” is a formal way to ask, while the second phrase, “Kore wa nani?” is more casual.
The third phrase, “Kore wa nan to iu mono desu ka?”, is used when you want to know the name of something. This phrase is more formal and may be used when asking about something unfamiliar or when seeking clarification.
When responding to the question “What is this?” in Japanese, you can use the following phrases:
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| これは＿＿です。 | Kore wa ____ desu. | This is ____. |
| これは＿＿というものです。 | Kore wa ____ to iu mono desu. | This is called ____. |
When using these phrases, simply fill in the blank with the name or description of the object in question.
It’s important to note that Japanese is a language where context plays a significant role in determining the appropriate phrase to use. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of politeness and use a more formal phrase.
Understanding the Japanese Language Structure
When learning a new language, understanding the structure is crucial to understanding how phrases like “What is this?” fit into a conversation. Japanese has a unique sentence order and particles that can take some time to get used to.
In Japanese, the basic sentence structure is Subject-Object-Verb (SOV). So, instead of saying “I am eating sushi,” you would say “I sushi am eating” (Watashi wa sushi o tabete imasu). This sentence structure can take some getting used to, but it is an important part of the language’s structure.
Additionally, Japanese uses particles to indicate the function of a word in a sentence. For example, the particle “wa” indicates the topic of the sentence, while “o” indicates the direct object. These particles play an important role in proper sentence structure and grammar.
Japanese also has three writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Hiragana and Katakana are phonetic writing systems, while Kanji uses Chinese characters for complex words and concepts. Learning these writing systems is important for reading and writing in Japanese.
What is This in Japanese Language and Writing
If you want to ask “What is this?” in Japanese, the phrase you would use is “kore wa nan desu ka?” (これは何ですか？). This phrase follows the basic SOV sentence structure and uses the particle “wa” to indicate the topic.
When writing in Japanese, “kore wa nan desu ka?” would be written as これは何ですか？ in Hiragana or Katakana, or as 何これですか？in Kanji.
Practical Examples and Conversations
Now that you have learned how to ask “what is this?” in Japanese, it’s time to practice using the phrase in contextual examples and conversations. The following examples illustrate how the phrase is commonly used in everyday situations.
Example 1:
You are at a Japanese restaurant and see a dish on the menu that you’re unfamiliar with. You can ask the server:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| What is this? | これは何ですか？ | Kore wa nan desu ka? |
Example 2:
You are exploring a Japanese garden and spot a unique plant. You can ask the gardener:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| What is this plant? | この植物は何ですか？ | Kono shokubutsu wa nan desu ka? |
Remember to use the appropriate level of formality based on the situation and who you are speaking to. Additionally, pay attention to any cultural nuances that may affect the phrasing or meaning of the phrase.
Example 3:
You are shopping at a Japanese market and come across a new item. You can ask the salesperson:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Excuse me, what is this? | すみません、これは何ですか？ | Sumimasen, kore wa nan desu ka? |
Practice using the phrase in different contexts and with various individuals to gain confidence in speaking Japanese.
Tips for Improving Your Japanese Language Skills
Congratulations on learning how to ask “What is this?” in Japanese! But your language learning journey does not have to stop there. Here are some tips to help you continue improving your Japanese language skills:
Practice Consistently
As with any new skill, consistency is key. Make a habit of practicing Japanese every day. Set aside a specific time each day to study, practice writing, or watch Japanese media, like movies or TV shows. Consistent practice will help you retain what you’ve learned and build upon it.
Use Language Learning Apps
There are many language learning apps available that can help you with your Japanese studies. Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Lingodeer are just a few options. These apps offer interactive lessons, vocabulary practice, and even conversation practice with native speakers. They are a great way to supplement your learning and keep you motivated.
Find a Language Exchange Partner
Connecting with a native Japanese speaker who is learning your native language can be a valuable experience. Language exchange partners can help you practice speaking and listening in a natural way. You can find language exchange partners through language learning apps or websites, or by joining language exchange groups on social media.
Immerse Yourself in the Language
If possible, immerse yourself in the Japanese language and culture. Attend language schools in Japan or go on a study abroad program. If that’s not an option, try consuming Japanese media regularly. Watch Japanese dramas and anime, listen to Japanese music, or read Japanese books. Immersion can help you improve your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills.
By following these tips, you can continue to improve your Japanese language skills beyond just asking “What is this?”. Keep practicing and learning, and enjoy the journey!
FAQ
Q: What is the importance of learning how to ask “What is this?” in Japanese?
A: Learning how to ask “What is this?” in Japanese is essential for effective communication and understanding in everyday situations. It allows you to inquire about unfamiliar objects, names, or concepts, helping you navigate your surroundings and engage in meaningful conversations.
Q: How do Japanese question phrases differ from English?
A: Japanese question phrases have a different structure compared to English. In Japanese, the question word comes at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the topic or subject. Understanding this difference will help you form accurate questions and comprehend the responses.
Q: What is the Japanese word for “What is this?”
A: The Japanese word for “What is this?” is “これは何ですか？” (Kore wa nan desu ka?). It can be pronounced as “koh-reh wah nan dess kah?”
Q: How can I express “What is this?” in different contexts?
A: Depending on the formality level and context, you can express “What is this?” in different ways. For example, in a casual setting, you can say “これは何？” (Kore wa nani?). In a more formal situation, you can use “これは何ですか？” (Kore wa nan desu ka?). Understanding these variations will help you adapt your language to different social settings.
Q: How does the phrase “What is this?” fit into the Japanese language structure?
A: In Japanese, the phrase “What is this?” follows the subject-object-verb sentence structure. The question word “what” (なん/何) acts as the subject, followed by the topic marker “wa” (は), and the copula “desu” (です). This structure is different from English, but understanding it will help you form accurate questions in Japanese.
Q: Can you provide practical examples and conversations using the phrase “What is this?”?
A: Sure! Here are a few examples and conversations:
Example 1:
Person A: これは何ですか？(Kore wa nan desu ka?) – What is this?
Person B: これはペンです。(Kore wa pen desu.) – This is a pen.
Example 2:
Person A: すみません、これは何と言いますか？(Sumimasen, kore wa nan to iimasu ka?) – Excuse me, what is this called?
Person B: これはスマートフォンです。(Kore wa sumātofon desu.) – This is a smartphone.
Practice these conversations to improve your understanding and fluency in asking “What is this?” in Japanese.
Q: How can I improve my overall Japanese language skills?
A: To improve your Japanese language skills, beyond just asking “What is this?”, consider the following tips:
1. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to language proficiency. Set aside dedicated time each day to study and engage with the language.
2. Immerse yourself: Surround yourself with the Japanese language as much as possible. Watch Japanese movies or shows, listen to Japanese music, and try to have conversations with native speakers.
3. Use online resources: Take advantage of online language learning platforms, such as language exchange websites, podcasts, and mobile apps, that offer interactive lessons and practice exercises.
4. Find a language partner: Connecting with a native Japanese speaker who wants to learn your language can be mutually beneficial. You can practice speaking and receive feedback on your pronunciation and grammar.
5. Explore cultural aspects: Learning about Japanese culture and customs will deepen your understanding of the language. Read books, watch documentaries, and participate in cultural events to gain insight into the country’s rich heritage.
By incorporating these tips into your language learning journey, you can enhance your Japanese skills and become more confident and proficient in using “What is this?” and other phrases.