Processing keyword: ～なんと 言いますか。 (〜nan to iimasu ka.)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～なんと 言いますか。 (〜nan to iimasu ka.)
1. Introduction
In everyday conversations, you might find yourself wanting to ask how to say a particular word or phrase in Japanese. The grammar point ～なんと 言いますか。(〜nan to iimasu ka.) is a useful expression that allows you to inquire about how to express something in Japanese. This phrase translates to "How do you say ～?" or "What do you call ～?" in English.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ～なんと 言いますか。
"How do you say ～?" or "What do you call ～?"
Structure
The structure of this expression is straightforward:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| ～ | The word or phrase in question |
| なんと | "How" or "what" |
| 言いますか | "Do you say?" |
Formation Diagram
[ Word/Phrase ] + なんと + 言いますか。
Detailed Explanation
- ～ (Word/Phrase): The item you want to ask about. It could be a word in your native language or something you don't know how to express in Japanese.
- なんと (nanto): An interrogative meaning "how" or "what."
- 言いますか (iimasu ka): The polite present form of the verb 言う (iu - "to say") with the question particle か (ka), making it a question.
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Expressions
- ～は日本語で何と言いますか。
- Meaning: "How do you say ～ in Japanese?"
- Usage: Explicitly asking for the Japanese term.
- ～って何ですか。
- Meaning: "What is ～?"
- Usage: Asking for an explanation or definition.
Nuances
- ～なんと 言いますか。 is more general and can be used in various contexts without specifying the language.
- ～は日本語で何と言いますか。 specifies that you are asking for the Japanese term, which might be more appropriate in multilingual settings.
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Everyday Conversation (Informal)
English: How do you say "thank you" in Japanese? Japanese: 「Thank you」はなんと 言いますか。
Example 2: Classroom Setting (Formal)
English: Teacher, how do you say "environment" in Japanese? Japanese: 先生、「environment」はなんと 言いますか。
Example 3: Business Context (Formal)
English: Excuse me, what do you call this document in Japanese? Japanese: すみません、この書類はなんと 言いますか。
Example 4: Asking for Clarification (Informal)
English: If I want to express "hardworking," how do I say it? Japanese: 「Hardworking」はなんと 言いますか。
5. Cultural Notes
Politeness Levels
- The expression ～なんと 言いますか。 is polite and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
- Using すみません (sumimasen - "excuse me") or 先生 (sensei - "teacher") can make your question more respectful in formal situations.
Idiomatic Expressions
- In casual conversations, you might hear ～って何？ (…tte nani?) which is a more informal way of asking "What's …?"
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Omitting なんと
- Incorrect: 「Thank you」は 言いますか。
- Correct: 「Thank you」は なんと 言いますか。
- Misplacing Particles
- Incorrect: 「犬」をなんと 言いますか。
- Correct: 「犬」はなんと 言いますか。
Tips
- Remember to use the topic particle は after the word or phrase you're asking about.
- なんと is essential in the sentence; omitting it changes the meaning.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～なんと 言いますか。 is used to ask how to say something in Japanese.
- The structure is: [Word/Phrase] + なんと + 言いますか。
- It's a polite expression suitable for various contexts.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you ask "How do you say 'delicious'?" in Japanese?
- What is the role of なんと in the expression ～なんと 言いますか。?
- Correct the mistake in the following sentence: 「山」をなんと 言いますか。
Answers:
- 「Delicious」はなんと 言いますか。
- なんと means "how" or "what," and it's essential for forming the question.
- Use the correct particle: 「山」はなんと 言いますか。