Grammar

何（なに）

Reading: なに

Meanings: what

Explanation

introduction

explanation

*何* (*なに* or *なん*) means *what*. Use it to ask about things, actions, or ideas. The reading changes depending on what follows: use *なん* before *です*, *の*, and sounds starting with *d*, *t*, or *n*.

explanation

Before *ですか*, say *なんですか*. Before a counter or `noun` starting with *d*, *t*, or *n*, use *なん* as well (e.g. *なんにん* — how many people). In most other cases, use *なに*.

structure

Example sentences

朝あさごはん、何なにを食たべましたか。
asagohan, nani o tabemashita ka.
What did you eat for breakfast?

Practice exercises

usage_japanese
{placeholder}を飲のみますか。
Answer: なに
usage_japanese
{placeholder}を買かいますか。
Answer: なに
usage_japanese
{placeholder}を読よみますか。
Answer: なに
usage_japanese
これは{placeholder}ですか。
Answer: なん
usage_japanese
{placeholder}の本ほんですか。
Answer: なん
usage_japanese
昨日きのう{placeholder}をしましたか。
Answer: なに
usage_japanese
週末しゅうまつは{placeholder}をする予定よていですか。
Answer: なに
usage_japanese
{placeholder}が好すきですか。
Answer: なに