Translation guide
The English word "what?" is used to ask for information, to express surprise, or to ask someone to repeat something. In Japanese, the equivalent depends heavily on the situation and level of politeness.
What is this?
What? (surprise)
What did you say? (polite)
The speaker wants to know what something is.
The basic word for 'what'. Used in casual questions. Often followed by particles like が or を.
What is this?
What do you want?
Before certain sounds (like です, だ, の), 何 is pronounced なん.
Polite form of 'what is it?'. Use with strangers, superiors, or in formal settings.
What is your name?
Casual, plain form of 'what is it?'. Used among friends or in informal situations.
The speaker didn't hear or understand and wants the other person to repeat.
Casual 'What?' or 'Huh?'. Can sound blunt; use only with close friends or family.
Polite way to ask 'What did you say?'. Rising intonation.
Sorry, what did you say?
Interjection meaning 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Very casual. Often combined with 何.
What? Say it again.
Very blunt, often confrontational 'What?!'. Can be rude; avoid in polite conversation.
Can sound aggressive or dismissive. Use only in very informal, heated situations.
What? What are you talking about?
The speaker is shocked or can't believe what they heard.
Common exclamation of surprise. Can be used in most situations.
What! Really?
Literally 'What did you say?', used to express disbelief. Casual.
What? I can't believe it.
Expresses 'No way!' or 'It can't be!'. Often used when something unexpected happens.
The speaker wants to specify a type or choice.
In English, 'what' is used in many idiomatic ways (e.g., 'What a beautiful day!'). These often do not translate directly to 何. For exclamations, Japanese uses patterns like なんて〜 or 〜ね.
Using 何 alone can be too direct. In polite conversation, always use 何ですか or rephrase the question more indirectly.
What is that?
What's this?
What? I can't believe he's quitting.
Which book is yours?