何なんぞや

expression

what; what is it

A somewhat literary or rhetorical way to ask 'what', often used in titles, philosophical questions, or to express surprise. Equivalent to 何か or 何ですか in modern casual speech.

See also: 何ぞ

• 人じん生せいとは何なんぞや。

  What is life?

• この奇き妙みょうな音おとは何なんぞや。

  What is this strange sound?

expression, adverb

why; how

Rhetorical or old-fashioned way to ask 'why' or 'how'. In modern Japanese, なぜ or どうして are more common. Often carries a tone of wonder or disbelief.

See also: 何ぞ

• 何なんぞや、このようなことが起おこったのか。

  Why did such a thing happen?