How to Say ‘What is it?’ in Japanese
何でしょうか？
なんでしょうか？
💬 Usage Tip: [何でしょうか？] offers a respectful way to ask for information.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Ending questions with [でしょうか] can show respect and politeness in conversation.
Phrase Breakdown
何なん
what
A pronoun used to ask about something unspecified or unknown.
何を食べますか？
What will you eat?
でしょうかでしょうか
might be?
A polite expression used to make a question, often indicating uncertainty.
これは何でしょうか？
What might this be?
Word-by-Word Breakdown
何なん
[nan]
What might it be
Polite inquiry for information or clarification.
その音は何でしょうか？
What might that sound be?
でしょうでしょう
[deshou]
Might be
Used for indirect polite inquiries.
今日、晴れでしょうか？
Might it be sunny today?
かか
[ka]
Question marker
Forms questions.
彼が来るでしょうか？
Will he come?
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