Hey anime fans! Ever wondered how your favorite characters exclaim "What?" in Japanese? The Japanese language has several ways to express surprise, confusion, or disbelief, and anime uses them all! Let's dive into the most common and iconic ways to say "what" in Japanese anime, complete with nuances and context, so you can sound like a true anime character.

Nani (何)?

Nani (何) is the most basic and widely recognized way to say "what" in Japanese. It's a versatile word that can be used in many situations, but its intonation and context often change its meaning. In anime, you'll hear nani exclaimed in countless scenarios, ranging from genuine confusion to utter shock. Understanding the subtle differences in its delivery is key to grasping the character's emotions.

When someone says nani with a rising intonation, it usually indicates a question or a request for clarification. For instance, if a character misses a crucial piece of information, they might say "Nani?" to ask the speaker to repeat themselves. Imagine a scene where the protagonist's best friend suddenly announces they're moving to another country. The protagonist might respond with a drawn-out, questioning "Naniiiii?" to convey their disbelief and need for further explanation. This usage of nani is common in everyday conversation as well, making it a fundamental phrase for Japanese learners.

However, nani can also be used to express shock or disbelief. When a character is confronted with an unexpected or unbelievable situation, they might exclaim "Nani?!" with a sharp, forceful tone. Think of a moment where the hero discovers that their mentor is actually the villain. The sheer shock and betrayal would likely be expressed with an emphatic "Nani?!" This usage is often accompanied by dramatic facial expressions and body language, adding to the intensity of the scene. The difference between a questioning "Nani?" and a shocked "Nani?!" lies primarily in the tone and the context of the situation. Recognizing these nuances will help you better understand the characters' emotions and the overall narrative.

Furthermore, the length of the vowel sound can also alter the meaning. A short, abrupt "Nani!" might indicate a sudden realization or a quick, surprised response, while a longer, drawn-out "Naniiiii?" suggests a deeper sense of confusion or disbelief. Anime often exaggerates these vocal cues to amplify the emotional impact of a scene, making it crucial for viewers to pay attention to how the word is delivered. By doing so, you can gain a richer understanding of the character's inner thoughts and feelings, making your viewing experience more immersive and enjoyable. So, next time you're watching your favorite anime, listen closely to how nani is used and try to identify the subtle clues that reveal the character's emotional state.

Nan da (何だ)?

Nan da (何だ) translates more closely to "What is it?" or "What's going on?" Nan da carries a slightly more assertive or inquisitive tone than nani. It's often used when someone notices something unusual or when they want to know the reason behind something. In anime, you'll often hear characters use nan da when they encounter a mysterious object, a strange phenomenon, or an unexpected interruption.

Imagine a scene where a character is walking through a dark forest and stumbles upon a glowing object on the ground. They might cautiously approach the object and say "Nan da?" to express their curiosity and uncertainty. This usage of nan da is common in mystery and adventure anime, where characters are constantly encountering strange and unexplained phenomena. The phrase conveys a sense of intrigue and a desire to understand the situation better. The character is not just asking "what" but also implying "what is this and why is it here?"

Nan da can also be used in situations where a character is annoyed or irritated by something. If someone is being disruptive or causing trouble, a character might say "Nan da yo!" (何だよ！) to express their displeasure. The addition of yo adds emphasis and a slightly aggressive tone, making it clear that the speaker is not happy with the situation. This usage is often seen in comedy anime, where characters are constantly getting into silly arguments and misunderstandings. The exasperated "Nan da yo!" adds to the comedic effect and highlights the character's frustration.

Another common usage of nan da is when someone is questioning the actions or motives of another person. For example, if a character sees someone behaving suspiciously, they might say "Nan da?" to express their skepticism and demand an explanation. This usage is particularly prevalent in action and suspense anime, where characters are constantly trying to uncover the truth and expose hidden agendas. The tone of nan da in these situations is often challenging and accusatory, reflecting the character's distrust and suspicion. By using nan da in this way, characters can directly confront others and demand answers, driving the plot forward and creating dramatic tension.

Furthermore, nan da can be used in combination with other words to create more specific meanings. For instance, "Nan no koto da?" (何のことだ？) means "What are you talking about?" or "What's this about?" This phrase is commonly used when someone is confused or doesn't understand what another person is saying. It's a more direct and assertive way of asking for clarification compared to simply saying "Nani?" By adding no koto da, the speaker is emphasizing their confusion and demanding a more detailed explanation. This shows that nan da is not just a simple expression of "what" but a versatile phrase that can be adapted to convey a wide range of emotions and intentions.

Nani o (何を)?

Nani o (何を) directly translates to "What (object)?" or "What is it that...?" Nani o is used when you want to know what someone is doing or what is happening to something. In anime, this is perfect for clarifying actions or objects in question. This phrase is more specific than nani.

For instance, if you see someone running with something in their hands, you might ask, "Nani o motte iru no?" (何を 持っているの？), which means "What are you holding?" This usage is common in everyday scenarios, making it a practical phrase for anyone learning Japanese. The phrase emphasizes the object being held and seeks to identify it specifically. By using nani o, you are directly asking about the object in question and seeking a clear explanation of what it is.

Nani o can also be used in situations where you want to know what someone is doing. For example, if you walk into a room and see someone drawing, you might ask, "Nani o kaite iru no?" (何を 書いているの？), which means "What are you drawing?" This usage is versatile and can be applied to various activities, making it a useful phrase for understanding what people are doing around you. The phrase focuses on the action being performed and seeks to identify the object being created or manipulated. By using nani o, you are directly asking about the activity in question and seeking a clear explanation of what is being done.

Another common usage of nani o is when you want to express surprise or disbelief at someone's actions. For example, if you see someone doing something reckless or dangerous, you might exclaim, "Nani o shiteru no?!" (何を してるの？！), which means "What are you doing?!" This usage is often accompanied by a tone of shock or concern, highlighting the speaker's disapproval of the action. The phrase emphasizes the action being performed and seeks to understand the reason behind it. By using nani o, you are expressing your surprise and demanding an explanation for the action being taken.

Furthermore, nani o can be used in combination with other words to create more complex meanings. For instance, "Nani o iimashita ka?" (何を 言いましたか？) means "What did you say?" This phrase is commonly used when you didn't hear or understand what someone said and want them to repeat it. It's a polite and direct way of asking for clarification, ensuring that you don't miss any important information. By adding iimashita ka, the speaker is specifying that they are asking about the words that were spoken. This shows that nani o is not just a simple expression of "what" but a versatile phrase that can be adapted to convey a wide range of intentions.

Maa (まあ)

Maa (まあ) isn't a direct translation of "what," but it's used to express a range of emotions similar to "well," "oh," or "my." The versatile maa is often used to soften a statement, express resignation, or indicate a change of subject. Though not directly meaning “what,” its usage in certain contexts closely aligns with expressing surprise or mild disbelief, especially when something unexpected happens.

In anime, you might hear a character say "Maa, ii ka" (まあ、いいか) which means "Well, okay" or "Oh, well, never mind." This is often used when someone is slightly disappointed but decides to let it go. The maa softens the disappointment and indicates a willingness to move on. The phrase suggests a sense of acceptance and a desire to avoid dwelling on the negative aspects of the situation. By using maa, the speaker is acknowledging the disappointment but choosing to focus on the positive and move forward.

Maa can also be used to express a mild surprise or disbelief, similar to saying "Oh, really?" in English. For example, if someone tells you something unexpected, you might respond with a simple "Maa?" to show your surprise and invite them to elaborate. This usage is subtle but effective in conveying a range of emotions, making it a valuable tool for communication. The phrase suggests a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn more about the unexpected information. By using maa, the speaker is expressing their surprise while also encouraging the other person to provide further details.

Another common usage of maa is to soften a statement or offer a compromise. For instance, if you're trying to convince someone to do something, you might say "Maa, chotto dake" (まあ、ちょっとだけ), which means "Well, just a little bit." This softens the request and makes it more appealing to the other person. The maa adds a sense of flexibility and a willingness to negotiate, making it easier to reach a compromise. By using maa, the speaker is showing that they are open to considering the other person's perspective and finding a solution that works for both parties.

Furthermore, maa can be used in combination with other words to create more nuanced meanings. For instance, "Maa, shikata ga nai" (まあ、仕方がない) means "Well, it can't be helped" or "Well, there's nothing we can do about it." This phrase is commonly used when faced with an unavoidable situation, expressing a sense of resignation and acceptance. By adding shikata ga nai, the speaker is acknowledging the lack of control over the situation and choosing to accept it gracefully. This shows that maa is not just a simple expression of "well" but a versatile phrase that can be adapted to convey a wide range of emotions and intentions.

Ara (あら) / Are (あれ)

Ara (あら) and are (あれ) are interjections often used by female and male characters, respectively, to express surprise or mild shock. Ara is typically used by women and sounds more refined, while are is more commonly used by men and sounds more casual. Both are akin to saying "Oh!" or "What!" in a surprised manner.

Imagine a scene where a female character opens a gift and is pleasantly surprised by what she finds. She might exclaim "Ara! Suteki!" (あら！素敵！), which means "Oh! How lovely!" This usage is common in slice-of-life and romance anime, where characters often receive gifts or encounter pleasant surprises. The ara adds a touch of elegance and refinement to the exclamation, making it suitable for expressing delight in a graceful manner.

On the other hand, a male character might use are when he notices something unexpected or realizes he has forgotten something. For example, if a male character is about to leave the house and suddenly remembers he left his wallet behind, he might say "Are? Saifu ga nai!" (あれ？財布がない！), which means "Oh? I don't have my wallet!" This usage is more casual and straightforward, reflecting the more direct communication style often associated with male characters in anime.

Ara and are can also be used in situations where a character is slightly confused or disoriented. For instance, if a character wakes up in an unfamiliar place, a female character might say "Ara? Koko wa doko?" (あら？ここはどこ？), which means "Oh? Where am I?" while a male character might say "Are? Doko da?" (あれ？どこだ？), which also means "Oh? Where am I?" The choice between ara and are depends on the character's gender and personal style.

Furthermore, the intonation and emphasis placed on ara and are can also convey different nuances. A drawn-out "Aaaaaara" or "Aaaaaare" might indicate a deeper sense of surprise or disbelief, while a short, abrupt "Ara!" or "Are!" might indicate a quick, startled reaction. Anime often exaggerates these vocal cues to amplify the emotional impact of a scene, making it crucial for viewers to pay attention to how these interjections are delivered.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A guide to saying "what" in Japanese anime. Nani, nan da, nani o, maa, ara, and are each carry their own unique flavor and context. By mastering these phrases, you'll not only enhance your understanding of Japanese but also deepen your appreciation for the nuances of anime. Keep practicing, keep watching, and you'll be exclaiming "Nani?!" like a pro in no time! Ganbatte (Good luck)!