How to Say ‘What is it?’ in Japanese
何ですか？
nani desu ka
[nah-nee dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: Useful for clarifying: [それ何ですか？] = “What’s that?” Add [すみません] to be extra polite.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Asking for clarification is normal; Japanese listeners often appreciate it more than guessing and nodding.
Phrase Breakdown
何
nani
[nah-nee]
what
Used to ask “what” in a polite way when combined with ですか. Can sound a bit blunt alone, so adding context helps (e.g., “おすすめは何ですか？”).
おすすめは何ですか？
What do you recommend?
ですか
desu ka
(polite question ending)
Makes the question polite. Often used when asking a stranger or in formal situations.
これは何ですか？
What is this?
Words in this phrase
です
desu
[dess]
to be (polite copula)
Polite “is/are.” Makes questions appropriate with someone you just met.
おすすめは何ですか？
What do you recommend?
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Question particle. With です, it forms the standard polite question ending.
おすすめは何ですか？
What do you recommend?
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