Expression used when you want to ask what this is.
How do you say What is it in Japanese?
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How would a native Japanese speaker say it.
How would a native Japanese speaker say it.
Expression used when you want to ask what this is.
・これは何ですか？ (kore wa nan desu ka?)
・何これ？ (nani kore?)
“これは何ですか？” (kore wa nan desu ka?) is the polite and standard way to ask “What is this?” It’s perfect for formal situations, like when you’re speaking to someone you don’t know well or in a professional setting. The inclusion of “ですか” makes the question sound more respectful and polite.
“何これ？” (nani kore?) is much more casual and is typically used with friends or family. It’s a direct, informal way of saying “What’s this?” and can sometimes convey surprise or curiosity. However, it might come off as a bit too blunt or even rude if used in formal contexts, so it’s best kept for casual situations.
As for “これ何？” (kore nani?), this is another casual expression similar to “何これ？” but with a slight emphasis on the object you’re pointing at. The word order difference places a bit more focus on “this” (これ), like saying “This, what?” in English. While the meaning is almost identical to “何これ？”, “これ何？” is often used when you’re literally pointing at something and asking about it. Both phrases are great for informal conversations but should be avoided in formal situations.