なにか~
nanika~
JLPT N5 Neutral
Formation
なにか + Noun
Indicates 'something' or 'some kind of'.
When to use
'Something': a thing you do not name (なにか食べたい). A statement, not a question.
Explanation
The なにか grammar point is used to express the idea of 'something' or 'some kind of' in Japanese. It is often used when the speaker is unsure or not specific about the details of the noun being referred to. なにか is used before the noun it modifies.
Example sentences
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Please bring some kind of drink.
Nanika nomimono wo motte kite kudasai.
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If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Nanika shitsumon ga areba, enryo naku kiite kudasai.
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She has some kind of present.
Kanojo wa nanika purezento wo motte iru.
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If you need any help, please let me know.
Nanika tasuke ga hitsuyou nara, itte kudasai.
What (Something / Anything / Nothing / How Many)
- なに~nani~N5Asking about 'what' or 'which' in Japanese
- なん~nan~N5Used to form interrogative questions and emphasize the…
- 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…
Corpus examples (31)
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Let me know if there is anything I can do.
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Do you know any Greek myths?
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Is there anything wrong with that television?
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Sorry, did I say something wrong?
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She begged for something to drink.
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I remember him saying something about that.
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Do you play a musical instrument?
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Do you take part in any community activities?
2、3日おきに電話して。そうすればもしなにか起きても連絡が保てるから。
Call me every few days, and in that way we can keep in touch if something happens.
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Let me know if you know anything about it.
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I came to the conclusion that something was wrong.
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Impossible is not French.
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Let's find something to sit on.
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Is there anything for me?
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Is there anything for me?
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He is a poet or something.
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Can you show me any evidence for your statement?
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He whispered something in her ear.
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Give me something to write with.
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Did I say something funny? Did I make a joke?
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Did you eat something last night?
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Did you eat anything this morning?
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Feed me, please.
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Do you have anything to declare?
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I asked Tom what that is.