~なんと 言いますか。

〜nan to iimasu ka.

JLPT N5 Neutral Chapter 7: Asking how and why, 6 of 6

Formation

Noun + は/が + なんと言いますか

Asking how something is called or referred to; 'how do you say'

When to use

Asks what something is called, its name (この花はなんと言いますか).

Explanation

The ~なんと言いますか grammar point is used to ask how something is called, expressed, or referred to in a polite manner. It can be translated as 'how do you say' or 'what do you call' in English. The formation is used with a noun or a topic where you would like to know the proper expression or name for something.

Example sentences

How (By What Means / How Do You Say It)