Processing keyword: なに～ (nani~)

Japanese Grammar Point: なに～ (nani~)

1. Introduction

The word なに (nani) is a fundamental interrogative pronoun in Japanese, translating to "what" in English. It is used to ask questions about things, actions, and descriptions. Understanding how to use なに correctly is essential for effective communication in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• なに (nani): Means "what" and is used to inquire about objects, actions, or explanations.
• It can be combined with particles to form questions or expressions.

Structure and Formation

Basic Question Structure

[Question Word] + [Particle] + [Verb] + か？

• なにをしますか？
  • Nani o shimasu ka?
  • "What will (you) do?"

Combining with Particles

Particle	Usage	Example	Translation
が	Marks the subject	なにが必要ですか？	What is necessary?
を	Marks the direct object	なにを食べますか？	What will (you) eat?
に	Indicates direction or time	なににしますか？	What will you have/choose?
で	Indicates means or location	なにで行きますか？	By what means will you go?
も	Means "anything/nothing"	なにもいりません。	I don't need anything.
か	Means "something/anything"	なにかありますか？	Is there something?

Difference Between なに and なん

Both なに and なん mean "what," but their usage depends on the context and the words that follow:

• なに is used before particles and in standalone form.
  • なにをしますか？ (What will you do?)
• なん is used before words starting with d, t, n, and counters.
  • なんですか？ (What is it?)
  • なんにんいますか？ (How many people are there?)

Formation Diagram

graph TD
A[なに / なん] --> B((Particle))
B --> C{Verb / Copula}

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3. Comparative Analysis

なに vs. なん

• Use なに:
  • Before particles (が, を, に, で, も)
    • なにを食べますか？ (What will you eat?)
• Use なん:
  • Before です
    • なんですか？ (What is it?)
  • Before words starting with d, t, n
    • なんで行きますか？ (How will you go?)
  • Before counters
    • なんにんいますか？ (How many people are there?)

Comparison with Other Interrogatives

Japanese	Reading	Meaning
どれ	dore	Which one
どの	dono	Which ~
だれ	dare	Who
いつ	itsu	When
どこ	doko	Where
なに	nani	What

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. お名前はなんですか？
   • O-namae wa nan desu ka?
   • "What is your name?"
2. これはなにがありますか？
   • Kore wa nani ga arimasu ka?
   • "What is there here?"

Informal Speech

1. なに食べる？
   • Nani taberu?
   • "What are you going to eat?"
2. 週末になにするの？
   • Shūmatsu ni nani suru no?
   • "What are you doing on the weekend?"

Written Context

1. この言葉の意味はなんですか。
   • Kono kotoba no imi wa nan desu ka.
   • "What is the meaning of this word?"
2. なにを求めていますか。
   • Nani o motomete imasu ka.
   • "What are you seeking?"

Spoken Context

1. えっ、なんだって？
   • Eh, nan datte?
   • "Huh, what did you say?"
2. なにが起こったの？
   • Nani ga okotta no?
   • "What happened?"

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• Using なんですか is more casual and can sometimes sound abrupt.
  • To be more polite, use なんでしょうか or add お prefix: おなまえは？

Idiomatic Expressions

1. なになに
   • Used to indicate interest or prompt someone to continue.
     • なになに、もっと教えて。
       • Nani nani, motto oshiete.
       • "What, what? Tell me more."
2. なになにかんになになに
   • A placeholder for unspecified items, similar to "such and such."
     • 彼はなになに会社の社長だ。
       • Kare wa naninani kaisha no shachō da.
       • "He is the president of such-and-such company."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

• Using "nani" and "nan" interchangeably without considering the following word.
  • Incorrect: なにですか？
  • Correct: なんですか？
• Forgetting particles after "nani."
  • Incorrect: なに食べますか？
  • Correct: なにを食べますか？

Tips

• Remember the "D/T/N Rule": Use なん before words starting with d, t, n, or counters.
• Use Particles Properly: Always include the appropriate particle after なに to clarify the grammatical role.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• なに means "what" and is essential for asking questions.
• Use なに or なん depending on the following word.
• Combine なに with particles to form specific questions.
• Be mindful of politeness levels when using なに in conversation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: ______で行きますか？ (By what means will you go?)
   • Answer: なんで
2. Is this sentence correct? なにですか？
   • Answer: No, it should be なんですか？
3. How do you say "What will you drink?" in Japanese?
   • Answer: なにを飲みますか？

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By mastering なに, you'll be able to ask a variety of questions and enhance your communication in Japanese. Remember to pay attention to the context and the rules for using なに and なん.

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