Nani Desuka: A Complete Guide to This Commonly Used Japanese Phrase
Nani Desuka is a commonly used Japanese phrase which means, “What is it?” or “What is that?” It is a very useful phrase to know if you are traveling to Japan, or if you are communicating with Japanese speakers.
In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings of Nani Desuka, its uses in everyday conversations and situations, and some helpful tips and tricks to help you better understand and use the phrase in your own Japanese language studies.
Origins and Meanings of Nani Desuka
The word “nani” in Japanese means “what,” and “desu” is a polite verb ending that signifies a statement or question. The word “ka” at the end of the phrase signifies that it is a question.
Nani Desuka is sometimes abbreviated as “Nandesuka,” which means the same thing, but is less formal.
Uses of Nani Desuka in Everyday Conversations
In everyday conversations, Nani Desuka is a commonly used phrase to ask for clarification or information about something. Here are some examples:
1. What is this? – Kore wa nandesuka?
2. What is your name? – Anata no namae wa nandesuka?
3. What time does the train arrive? – Kisha wa nanji ni tsuku nandesuka?
As you can see, Nani Desuka can be used in a variety of everyday situations, from asking for directions to ordering food at a restaurant. It is a versatile phrase that can come in handy in many different situations.
Helpful Tips and Tricks for Understanding and Using Nani Desuka
Here are some tips and tricks to help you better understand and use Nani Desuka in your own Japanese language studies:
1. Listen carefully for context clues: Often, the context of a conversation can help you determine the meaning of the phrase. For example, if someone is pointing at an object and using the phrase “Nani Desuka?” it’s likely they’re asking “What is this?”
2. Pay attention to intonation: Japanese is a tonal language, which means that the intonation of a word or phrase can change its meaning. When using Nani Desuka, pay attention to the rising inflection at the end of the phrase. This signifies that it is a question.
3. Practice using the phrase in different situations: The more you practice using the phrase in different situations, the more comfortable you will become with it. Try using it to ask for directions, order food at a restaurant, or ask someone their name to practice.
4. Learn other common phrases with Nani Desuka: There are many other common phrases in Japanese that use Nani Desuka. For example, “Nanika atta?” means “What happened?” and “Nanika tabetai?” means “What do you want to eat?” Learning these additional phrases can help you communicate more effectively in Japanese.
Conclusion
Nani Desuka is a commonly used Japanese phrase that can come in handy in many different situations. Whether you are traveling to Japan, studying the language, or communicating with Japanese speakers, understanding and using the phrase can help you better clarify or inquire about something. With these helpful tips and tricks, you can better understand and use Nani Desuka in your own Japanese language studies.