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When to use the right "WHAT!?!?" in japanese

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rpgherogaz
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Posts: 87
Joined: November 10th, 2008 8:24 pm

When to use the right "WHAT!?!?" in japanese

Postby rpgherogaz » November 23rd, 2008 4:14 pm

There are many it would seem.

but i can not find anywhere which, in a simple context, tells you when to use which?

Nani?

Nande?

nan desu ka?

and i am sure there are many more!?!?!

So can anyone help me out on anouther question, so far Jpod101 is at 100% on all my questions :)

I feel i understand doushite? (how,why) as it refers more to an emotion or feeling, rather than something physical? Is that correct? Also is there more ways of saying why??

Arigatou!

Gareth

Javizy
Expert on Something
Posts: 1165
Joined: February 10th, 2007 2:41 pm

Postby Javizy » November 23rd, 2008 11:04 pm

Nani is the only word for what. Things like 'nan desu ka' are dependent on speaking style. You'll learn about that very early on, so you're better off just sticking to the lessons.

Nande means why, not what. I'm not sure that there's any big difference between nande, doushite, naze, but I think naze is generally more direct.
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