何なん

pronoun

what

Interrogative pronoun asking for identification or explanation. Used in questions and embedded clauses.

See also: 何

• これは何なんですか。

  What is this?

• これは何なんの本ほんですか。

  What kind of book is this?

prefix

how many

Prefix used before a counter to ask about quantity. Followed by a counter word.

See also: 何ヶ月

• この箱はこにはリンゴが何なん個こ入はいっていますか。

  How many apples are in this box?

prefix

many; a lot of

Prefix used with a counter and も to express a large indefinite quantity. Often implies 'many times' or 'for many days'.

See also: 何度も · 何日も

• 彼かれには何なん度ども注ちゅう意いした。

  I warned him many times.

• 何なん日にちも雨あめが降ふり続つづいている。

  It has been raining for many days.

prefix

several; a few; some

Prefix used with a counter and か to express an indefinite small number. Indicates 'some' or 'a few'.

See also: 何日か

• 何なん日にちか休やすみを取とるつもりです。

  I plan to take a few days off.