How do you say "What (…); like “what do you…?” (casual) / “called what?”" in Japanese?

"What (…); like “what do you…?” (casual) / “called what?”" in Japanese is "なんて". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

What does "なんて" mean in English?

"なんて" means "What (…); like “what do you…?” (casual) / “called what?”" in English. Usage tip: [なんて] can mean “called what?” in name questions, and it can also mean “things like…” depending on context.

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How to Say ‘What (…); like “what do you…?” (casual) / “called what?”’ in Japanese

なんて

nan te

[nahn teh]

💬 Usage Tip: [なんて] can mean “called what?” in name questions, and it can also mean “things like…” depending on context.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Because [なんて] has multiple uses, native speakers rely heavily on situation to interpret it—don’t panic if it feels broad.

Phrase Breakdown

なん

nan

[nahn]

what; (quote marker) ... called; (expresses surprise)

Part of なんていう(の)？ = “what do you call it/what’s it called?” Also used like “...なんて！” to show surprise, but here it’s for asking a name/word.

Example

名前はなんていう？

What’s your name? (lit. what do you say/call it?)

て

[teh]

and; as (a casual linking particle)

In なんて, the て connects to いう, forming the set phrase なんていう(の)？.

Example

それ、なんていうの？

What do you call that? / What’s that called?

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