何なんなのか

expression

what is it (that); the meaning of something; what something is about

Used to ask for the essence, meaning, or true nature of something. Often implies a deeper inquiry beyond surface description.

• 人じん生せいとは何なんなのか、時とき々どき考かんがえる。

  I sometimes wonder what life is all about.

• 彼かれが本ほん当とうに言いいたかったことは何なんなのか、わからなかった。

  I couldn't understand what he really meant.