How to Say ‘Something / anything’ in Japanese
何か
nani ka
[nah-nee kah]
💬 Usage Tip: [何か] is “something.” With questions it can be “anything.” Pairing with [あったら] is super common.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Indirect phrases like “if anything…” help avoid sounding demanding or overly specific.
Phrase Breakdown
何
nani
[nah-nee]
what; something (with か)
何 by itself is “what.” In 何か, it becomes “something / anything” depending on context.
何か気になることがあったら言ってください。
If there’s anything that bothers you, please tell me.
か
ka
[kah]
(adds indefiniteness)
The particle か after a question word turns it into an indefinite: 何か = “something/anything.”
何かあったら連絡してください。
If anything happens, please contact me.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager