How do you say "What" in Japanese?

"What" in Japanese is "なに". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘What’ in Japanese

Q: What does "なに" mean in English?

"なに" means "What" in English. Usage tip: [なに] and [なん] both mean "what," but [なに] is the usual form before particles like [を]: [なにをたべますか] (What will you eat?). Before [ですか], it usually changes to [なん].

なに

nani

[nah-nee]

💬 Usage Tip: [なに] and [なん] both mean "what," but [なに] is the usual form before particles like [を]: [なにをたべますか] (What will you eat?). Before [ですか], it usually changes to [なん].

Phrase Breakdown

なに

nani

[nah-nee]

what

Question word meaning “what.” Common pattern: なにをしますか (What do you do?).

Example

ひまなとき、なにをしますか。

When you have free time, what do you do?

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