~どう 言いますか。
〜dou iimasu ka.
JLPT N5 Neutral
Formation
Word/Phrase + は [language]でどう言いますか / Word/Phrase + をどう言いますか
Asking for the way to say something; 'how do you say'.
When to use
Asks for the wording in a language (「ありがとう」は英語でどう言いますか).
Explanation
The ~どう言いますか grammar point is used to ask someone how to express something in a particular language or the appropriate way to say it. It can be translated as 'how do you say' in English.
Example sentences
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How do you say 'thank you' in English?
「Arigatou」wa eigo de dou iimasu ka.
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How do you say this word in Japanese?
Kono kotoba wo nihongo de dou iimasu ka.
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How do you say 'excuse me' in French?
「Sumimasen」wa furansugo de dou iimasu ka.
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How do you say that expression in Spanish?
Sono hyougen wo supeingo de dou iimasu ka.