pre-noun adjectival
what; what kind of; what sort of
Pre-noun adjectival used to ask about the nature, type, or identity of something. Followed directly by a noun.
What kind of book is this?
pre-noun adjectival
no ...; any
Used with a negative sentence to mean 'no ... at all' or 'not any'. Emphasizes the absence of something.
There is no basis at all for his story.
pre-noun adjectival
adds emphasis to the preceding word
Used in the pattern ...のなんの to emphasize the preceding word, often in a dismissive or exaggerated way. Usually written in kana.
It hurts so much I can't even stand up.
no; not at all; oh (it's nothing)
Interjection used to dismiss someone's concerns, words, or thanks, implying 'it's nothing' or 'don't mention it'. Usually written in kana.
何の用事で来たのですか。
What business brings you here?
There aren't any problems.
He keeps saying he's busy and won't help at all.
"Thanks for helping." "Oh, it was nothing."
"Are you okay?" "No problem, this is nothing."
what the hell; oh no!; damn!
Compound of 何 (nan, 'what') and the genitive particle の (no). The interjection and emphatic pattern developed from rhetorical uses.