Romaji:

Polite: Nan desu ka? (NAHN dess kah)

Informal: Nani? (NAH-nee)

Japanese:

Polite: 何ですか。　（なんですか。）

Informal:　何。（なに。）

Meaning for both "polite" & "informal" forms: What? / What is it?

The "polite" form is normally used with either your superiors at work or people you're not familiar with (including distant, older relatives). The "informal" form is typically used with your buddies/peers, close family members, & those who are younger than you. I think I also gave you guys a kanji lesson too, by the looks of it. 何 is pronounced "nani" when followed by a particle (i.e.: wa, ga, mo, wo, except ni & de) or when it's by itself, like it is above. When a counter (words used when counting things like slice, piece, & bottle), a noun, or the particle "de" or "ni" directly follows 何, it's pronounced "nan". You can look up particles, counters, and kanji pronounciations at www.jdic.com or send me a message & I'd be happy to explain! Happy learning!

Written by :

porkfairy