Processing keyword: ～どう 言いますか。 (〜dou iimasu ka.)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～どう 言いますか。 (〜dou iimasu ka.)

1. Introduction

The phrase ～どう言いますか (〜どう いいますか) is an essential expression in Japanese that means "How do you say ～?". It's a crucial tool for language learners to ask for translations and expand their vocabulary. This phrase allows you to inquire about the Japanese equivalent of an English word or phrase (or vice versa), facilitating better communication and understanding.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

Meaning: "How do you say ～?" Usage: Used to ask someone how to express a particular word or phrase in Japanese (or another language).

Structure

The general structure of the phrase is:

[Word/Phrase] は [Language] で どう言いますか？

• [Word/Phrase] は: The word or phrase you want to translate, marked by the topic particle は.
• [Language] で: Specifies the language you're asking about, using the particle で to indicate "in [language]".
• どう言いますか？: "How do you say?"

Formation Diagram

Component	Japanese	Role
Word/Phrase	[Word/Phrase] は	Topic of the sentence
In [Language]	[Language] で	Specifies the language
How	どう	Asks "how"
Say	言いますか？	Polite form of "to say"

Example of Structure

"Apple" は 日本語で どう言いますか？
"Apple" wa nihongo de dou iimasu ka?

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points:

• ～は日本語で何ですか？
  • Meaning: "What is ～ in Japanese?"
  • Usage: Slightly less natural when asking for translations of words/phrases.
• ～と言います
  • Meaning: "It is called ～" or "It is said ～"
  • Usage: Used to state how something is called. Nuances:
• どう言いますか focuses on the method of expressing a word, emphasizing the "how" aspect.
• Using 何ですか (what is) can imply asking for a definition rather than a translation.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. "Excuse me, how do you say 'computer' in Japanese?"

   すみません、"computer" は日本語でどう言いますか？
   Sumimasen, "computer" wa nihongo de dou iimasu ka?
   

   • Answer: 「コンピューター」と言います。
   • You say "konpyuutaa".
2. "How do you say 'delicious' in Japanese?"

   "Delicious" は日本語でどう言いますか？
   "Delicious" wa nihongo de dou iimasu ka?
   

   • Answer: 「おいしい」と言います。
   • You say "oishii".
3. "Teacher, how do you say this in Japanese?" (Informal)

   先生、これは日本語でどう言いますか？
   Sensei, kore wa nihongo de dou iimasu ka?
   

   • Translation: "Teacher, how do you say this in Japanese?"
4. "How do you say 'ありがとう' in English?"

   「ありがとう」は英語でどう言いますか？
   "Arigatou" wa eigo de dou iimasu ka?
   

   • Answer: "Thank you" と言います。
   • You say "Thank you".
5. "In French, how do you say 'good night'?"

   フランス語で "good night" はどう言いますか？
   Furansugo de "good night" wa dou iimasu ka?
   

   • Answer: 「bonne nuit」と言います。
   • You say "bonne nuit".

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness: Using this phrase shows respect and a willingness to learn, which aligns with the Japanese cultural emphasis on politeness and humility.
• Language Exchange: Commonly used in classrooms, language exchange events, or when interacting with native speakers.

Idiomatic Expressions

• Casual Form:
  • ～って日本語で何て言うの？
    • "How do you say ～ in Japanese?" (Casual)
    • Example: "Dog" って日本語で何て言うの？
• Alternate Polite Form:
  • ～は日本語で何と言いますか？
    • Slight variation that also means "How do you say ～ in Japanese?"

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Particle Usage:
  • ❌ "Apple" は日本語がどう言いますか？
    • Error: Using が instead of で.
    • Correction: Use で to indicate the language as a means.
• Omitting the Topic Particle:
  • ❌ "Apple" 日本語でどう言いますか？
    • Error: Missing は after "Apple".
    • Correction: Include は to properly mark the topic.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Particles: Think of で as "in" (the language) and は as marking what you're inquiring about.
• Practice with Objects Around You: Look at everyday items, and practice asking how to say them in Japanese.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～どう言いますか is used to ask for the translation or expression of a word/phrase in another language.
• The structure involves specifying the word/phrase, the language, and using the polite question form.
• Paying attention to particles は and で is crucial for correct grammar.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blanks: "Tree" ___ 日本語 ___ どう言いますか？
   • Answer: "Tree" は 日本語 で どう言いますか？
2. Translate to English: これは英語でどう言いますか？
   • Answer: "How do you say this in English?"
3. Identify the Error: "Cat" は日本語でどういいますか？
   • Error: いいますか (should be 言いますか)
   • Correction: "Cat" は日本語でどう言いますか？

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By mastering this phrase, you'll enhance your ability to learn new words and engage more deeply with the Japanese language. Keep practicing by asking native speakers how to say different words, and soon you'll notice your vocabulary expanding rapidly!

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