何事
Meanings
1
what; what sort of thing
Used in questions or statements about the nature or content of something, often with a slightly formal or serious tone.
What happened?
He tackles everything seriously.
2
Used with particles like も or でも to mean 'everything' or 'anything'; often in affirmative or negative contexts.
See also: 何事も
Everything is an experience.
There is a reason for everything.
3
what on earth?; what's the meaning of this?
Used as a rebuke or exclamation when questioning someone's actions or a situation, often with a tone of surprise or anger.
What on earth is this?!
What's the meaning of that outfit?!
Usage patterns
- 何事ですかWhat's going on?; What is the matter?
There was a loud noise—what on earth is going on?
- 何事にも〈形容詞〉careful/serious/etc. about everything
He approaches everything seriously.
- 何事が起こったのかwhat has happened; what took place
No one knew what had happened in the village.
Expressions
- 何事かsomething (or other)
- 何事もeverything; anything · nothing
- 何事につけno matter what it is; in every case; whatever the matter
- 何事によらずin every case; in everything; in all matters
- 何事もなかったかのようにas if nothing had happened
- 精神一到何事か成らざらんwhere there is a will, there is a way