What is the meaning of the word “nani” in Japanese?

“Kore wa nan desu ka?” (これは何なんですか) translates to “What is this?”

It’s important to note that using “nan” before “ka” (か) can lead to confusion, as it forms the word “nanka” (なんか), which means “things like.” Also, using “nan” before “ni” (に) can sound like “nannimo” (なんにも), which translates to “nothing at all.”

Uses of “nani” and “nan”

“Nani” can be used in various contexts, depending on the formality:

In formal situations, such as a business dinner or meeting:

• “Nani ga o susumedesu ka?” (何がお勧めですか) translates to “What do you recommend?”
• “Nani ga oishii desu ka?” (何がおいしいですか) means “What is delicious?”
• “Nani o tabetaidesu ka?” (何を食べたいですか) asks “What would you like to eat?”
• “Tsugi no basutei wa nanidesu ka?” (次のバス停は何ですか) means “Which is the next bus stop?”

In informal situations, “nan” is more commonly used:

• “Osume wa nan desu ka?” (お勧めは何ですか) asks “What do you suggest?”
• “Nanji ni demasu ka?” (何時に出ますか) means “What time do you leave?”

More examples with “nani” and “nan”:

• “Nani o kaimashita ka?” (何を買いましたか) asks “What did you buy?”
• “Nani ga suki desu ka?” (何が好きですか) means “What do you like?”
• “Anata no kami no iro wa nandesuka?” (あなたの髪の色は何ですか) asks “What is your hair color?”
• “Kyō wa nan’yōbidesuka?” (今日は何曜日ですか) means “What day is it today?”
• “Ima nanji desu ka?” (今何時ですか) asks “What time is it now?”

Other question words in Japanese:

• “Doo yatte?” (どうやって) means “how?”
• “Doko de?” (どこで) means “where?”
• “Dare desu ka?” (誰ですか) means “who?”
• “Naze desu ka?” (なぜですか) means “why?”

Bibliography:

• Taranov, A. “Spanish-Japanese vocabulary – 9000 most used words.” (2013). T&P Books.
• Trombley, G.; Takenaka, Y.; Zurita Pardo, A. “Japanese From Scratch! 1.” (2013). Yes Japan Corporation.
• Nakazawa, Y. “Koi. Dictionary. Basic Manual of Japanese.” (2021). Satori Editions.