なに～

When to use

なに before を, が, も and most particles (なにを食べますか). Before です, a counter, or で/の, use なん.

Explanation

The なに～ grammar point is used to ask questions about 'what' or 'which' in Japanese. It can be combined with various parts of speech to create different questions. The formation differs depending on whether it's used with a verb, い-adjective, な-adjective, or noun.

• あの人ひとはなにをしているのですか？

  What is that person doing?

  Ano hito wa nani wo shite iru no desu ka?

• なにが好すきですか？

  What do you like?

  Nani ga suki desu ka?

What (Something / Anything / Nothing / How Many)

• なん～nan~N5Used to form interrogative questions and emphasize the…
• なにか～nanika～N5Indicates 'something' or 'some kind of'.
• なんでも～nandemo～N5Means 'any', 'anything', 'anyone'.
• なにも～ませんnanimo~masenN5Used to express 'not anything', 'nothing'.
• なんで～nande～N5Asking the reason or cause; 'why', 'how come'.
• いくつ～ikutsu~N5Used to express 'how many' or ask for the number of…

Compare when to use each