What Is This In Japanese

What is This in Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide to Asking and Understanding

Knowing how to ask "What is this?" in Japanese is a fundamental skill for any learner. It opens doors to countless conversations and learning opportunities, allowing you to navigate everyday situations and deepen your understanding of the language and culture. This comprehensive guide explores various ways to ask this question, depending on context and formality, and delves into the nuances of understanding the responses you receive.

Introduction: More Than Just One Phrase

Unlike English, where "What is this?" suffices in most situations, Japanese offers a range of expressions, each with subtle differences in formality, politeness, and the implied context. The choice of phrase depends on who you're talking to (a friend, a stranger, a superior), the object in question (a tangible item, an abstract concept), and the level of detail you seek. Understanding these nuances is key to effective communication. This article will equip you with the vocabulary and understanding to confidently ask and understand "What is this?" in a variety of Japanese contexts.

Part 1: Basic Phrases for Asking "What is this?"

Here are some of the most common ways to ask "What is this?" in Japanese, progressing from informal to formal:

• これ何？ (Kore nan?) This is the most casual and informal way to ask "What is this?". Kore means "this," and nan is a shortened form of nani, meaning "what?". Use this only with close friends or family.

• これ、何ですか？ (Kore, nan desu ka?) This is a more polite and formal version. Adding desu and ka makes the sentence polite and suitable for most everyday situations. The comma after kore adds a slight pause for natural phrasing.

• これは何ですか？ (Kore wa nan desu ka?) This is grammatically more correct than the previous example, using the topic marker wa. It emphasizes "this" as the topic of the sentence and is generally preferred in formal settings.

• これは何でしょうか？ (Kore wa nan deshou ka?) This is a more hesitant or polite way of asking. The addition of deshou ka softens the question, suggesting a degree of uncertainty or deference. It's appropriate when you are unsure or seeking confirmation.

• すみません、これは何ですか？ (Sumimasen, kore wa nan desu ka?) Adding sumimasen (excuse me) before the question further increases the politeness and is highly recommended when asking a stranger.

Part 2: Expanding Your Vocabulary – Addressing Different Objects

The phrases above work for most situations involving visible objects. However, Japanese offers more specific ways to ask depending on the nature of "this":

• この絵は何ですか？ (Kono e wa nan desu ka?) "What is this picture?" Kono e specifically means "this picture."

• この本は何ですか？ (Kono hon wa nan desu ka?) "What is this book?" Kono hon means "this book."

• この建物は何ですか？ (Kono tatemono wa nan desu ka?) "What is this building?" Kono tatemono means "this building."

These examples demonstrate how specifying the object with a descriptive word before wa nan desu ka enhances the clarity and natural flow of the question.

Part 3: Understanding the Responses

Understanding the answers to your question is equally important. Here are some common responses and their meanings:

• これはペンです。(Kore wa pen desu.) "This is a pen." This is a straightforward answer.

• これは日本語の辞書です。(Kore wa nihongo no jisho desu.) "This is a Japanese dictionary." This illustrates the use of descriptive words to further clarify the object.

• これは…分かりません。(Kore wa… wakarimasen.) "This is… I don't know." This shows a polite way of admitting ignorance.

• これは、ちょっと難しいですね。(Kore wa, chotto muzukashii desu ne.) "This is a little difficult, isn't it?" This response might be given if the object is complex or the answer is unclear.

Part 4: Asking about Abstract Concepts

The phrases discussed so far primarily apply to tangible objects. When inquiring about abstract concepts or situations, you'll need different vocabulary:

• これは何という意味ですか？ (Kore wa nan to iu imi desu ka?) "What does this mean?" This phrase is suitable for asking about the meaning of a word, sentence, or symbol. Imi means "meaning."

• これはどういうことですか？ (Kore wa dou iu koto desu ka?) "What does this mean/imply?" This is more appropriate for asking about the implication or significance of a situation or event. Dou iu koto translates to "what kind of thing."

• これはどんな状況ですか？ (Kore wa donna joukyou desu ka?) "What is this situation like?" This is used to inquire about the circumstances surrounding something. Joukyou means "situation."

Part 5: Advanced Techniques and Nuances

• Using Particles: The particle wa marks the topic of the sentence, while ga marks the subject. While wa is generally preferred for politeness, using ga can sometimes emphasize the object.

• Context is Key: The appropriate phrase depends heavily on the context. Consider your relationship with the person you're speaking to, the setting, and the object in question.

• Body Language: Non-verbal cues, such as pointing to the object, can significantly aid in understanding.

• Following Up: If the answer is unclear, don't hesitate to ask clarifying questions. You can use phrases like:

  • もっと詳しく説明してください。(Motto kuwashiku setsumei shite kudasai.) "Please explain in more detail."
  • もう一度言ってください。(Mou ichido itte kudasai.) "Please say it again."

Part 6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can I use "nani?" on its own? A: While technically grammatically correct in informal settings, it's considered impolite unless you are speaking to a close friend. It's generally better to use a more polite phrasing.

• Q: What if I don't know the Japanese word for the object? A: You can use descriptive words or gestures to help convey what you mean. Don't be afraid to try and explain it in Japanese, even if it's not perfect.

• Q: Is there a difference between "kore" and "sore" and "are"? A: Yes, kore refers to something near the speaker, sore to something near the listener, and are to something further away from both.

• Q: How can I improve my ability to ask and understand these questions? A: Practice is key! Immerse yourself in the language through conversations, watching Japanese media, and engaging with native speakers.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Asking "What is This?"

Learning to ask "What is this?" in Japanese opens up a world of communication possibilities. While mastering the various phrases and understanding their nuances takes time and practice, the effort is well worth it. By employing the vocabulary and strategies outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate everyday situations, deepen your cultural understanding, and continue your Japanese language journey with greater ease and fluency. Remember to pay close attention to context, formality, and your conversational partner to ensure clear and effective communication. Continue practicing, and you'll soon find yourself effortlessly asking and understanding "What is this?" in a wide variety of Japanese contexts.