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<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Japanese|Japanese]]  → [[Language/Japanese/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Japanese/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Hiragana Basics → Question Words and Phrases</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Japanese|Japanese]]  → [[Language/Japanese/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Japanese/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Question Words and Phrases</div>
 
Welcome to our lesson on '''Question Words and Phrases''' in Japanese! As you embark on your journey to learn this beautiful language, grasping the art of asking questions is essential. Questions are the backbone of communication—they help you seek information, clarify doubts, and engage in conversation. Mastering question words will not only enhance your ability to communicate but will also enrich your understanding of Japanese culture and context.
 
In this lesson, we will cover the following topics:
 
* The importance of question words in conversation.
 
* A breakdown of key question words in Japanese.
 
* How to formulate questions using these words.
 
* Practical examples to illustrate usage.
 
* Exercises to practice what you’ve learned.


__TOC__
__TOC__


== Introduction ==
=== Importance of Question Words ===


In this lesson, we will delve into the basics of question words and phrases in Japanese. Asking and answering questions is an essential part of communication in any language, and Japanese is no exception. By learning how to use question words and phrases, you will gain the ability to ask and answer basic questions, allowing you to have more meaningful interactions with native speakers. This lesson is designed for complete beginners who have already learned the hiragana basics and are familiar with the structure of Japanese sentences. It will provide you with the necessary foundations to further develop your Japanese language skills and progress to the A1 level.
Question words are fundamental in any language. In Japanese, they allow you to ask about people, places, things, reasons, and times. They help you initiate conversations, gather information, and express curiosity—qualities that are highly valued in Japanese culture.  


== The Importance of Question Words and Phrases ==
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to construct basic questions and confidently engage in simple conversations. Let’s dive in!


Question words and phrases play a crucial role in Japanese conversation. They allow you to gather information, express curiosity, and engage in meaningful conversations with native speakers. By mastering these question words and phrases, you will enhance your ability to understand and be understood in various social and practical situations.
=== Key Question Words in Japanese ===


Understanding the appropriate use of question words and phrases is also essential for comprehending spoken and written Japanese. In many cases, the use of question words and phrases can change the meaning of a sentence or clarify the speaker's intention. Therefore, having a solid grasp of these essential linguistic tools will significantly improve your overall comprehension of the Japanese language.
Here are some of the most common question words in Japanese:


== Structure of the Lesson ==
* '''何 (なに / nani)''' - What


This lesson will cover the following topics related to question words and phrases in Japanese:
* '''誰 (だれ / dare)''' - Who


1. Basic question words: We will start by introducing the basic question words in Japanese. You will learn how to ask "what," "who," "where," "when," "why," and "how" questions using the appropriate question words.
* '''どこ (doko)''' - Where


2. Question phrases: In addition to question words, there are also specific question phrases that are commonly used in Japanese. We will explore these question phrases and learn how to use them effectively in various contexts.
* '''いつ (itsu)''' - When


3. Sentence patterns: To form questions in Japanese, specific sentence patterns are used. We will examine these sentence patterns and provide examples to illustrate their usage.
* '''なぜ (naze)''' - Why


4. Cultural insights: Throughout the lesson, we will also explore cultural insights related to question words and phrases in Japan. This will give you a deeper understanding of how these linguistic tools are embedded in Japanese culture and society.
* '''どうやって (douyatte)''' - How


5. Practice exercises: To reinforce your learning, we will provide practice exercises where you can apply what you have learned. These exercises will allow you to practice asking and answering questions using question words and phrases.
* '''どれ (dore)''' - Which


By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of the basic question words and phrases in Japanese and be able to use them confidently in various situations.
* '''いくつ (ikutsu)''' - How many


== Basic Question Words ==
* '''どの (dono)''' - Which (among options)


Let's start by introducing the basic question words in Japanese. These question words are used to ask questions about specific information or details.
* '''どんな (donna)''' - What kind of


=== 1. 何 (なに) - What ===
=== Formulating Questions ===


The question word "何 (なに)" is used to ask about the identity or nature of something. It is equivalent to the English word "what." Here are a few examples:
Now that we've identified the key question words, let's see how to use them in sentences! In Japanese, the structure of a question typically follows this pattern:
 
'''Question Word + Topic + Verb + Other Elements'''
 
For example:
 
* 何 (nani) + が + 食べますか？ (tabemasu ka?) = What do you eat?
 
* 誰 (dare) + が + 来ますか？ (kimasu ka?) = Who is coming?
 
Below is a table illustrating various questions utilizing these question words:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
 
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| 何ですか？ || Nan desu ka? || What is it?
 
| 何を食べますか？ || nani o tabemasu ka? || What do you eat?
 
|-
|-
| 何を食べますか？ || Nani o tabemasu ka? || What will you eat?
 
| 誰が来ますか？ || dare ga kimasu ka? || Who is coming?
 
|-
|-
| 何時ですか？ || Nanji desu ka? || What time is it?
 
| どこに行きますか？ || doko ni ikimasu ka? || Where are you going?
 
|-
|-
| 何歳ですか？ || Nansai desu ka? || How old are you?
|}


=== 2. 誰 (だれ) - Who ===
| いつ始まりますか？ || itsu hajimarimasu ka? || When does it start?
 
|-
 
| なぜそれをしますか？ || naze sore o shimasu ka? || Why do you do that?
 
|-


The question word "誰 (だれ)" is used to ask about the identity of a person. It is equivalent to the English word "who." Here are a few examples:
| どうやって行きますか？ || douyatte ikimasu ka? || How do you go?


{| class="wikitable"
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
|-
|-
| 誰ですか？ || Dare desu ka? || Who is it?
 
| どれが好きですか？ || dore ga suki desu ka? || Which do you like?
 
|-
|-
| 誰が来ましたか？ || Dare ga kimashita ka? || Who came?
 
| いくつありますか？ || ikutsu arimasu ka? || How many are there?
 
|-
|-
| 誰と話しましたか？ || Dare to hanashimashita ka? || Who did you talk to?
 
| どの本を読みますか？ || dono hon o yomimasu ka? || Which book do you read?
 
|-
|-
| 誰の本ですか？ || Dare no hon desu ka? || Whose book is it?
 
| どんな食べ物が好きですか？ || donna tabemono ga suki desu ka? || What kind of food do you like?
 
|}
|}


=== 3. どこ - Where ===
=== Exploring Each Question Word ===
 
Let's dive deeper into each question word to grasp their nuances and applications.
 
==== 1. 何 (なに / nani) - What ====
 
"何" is used to ask about objects, actions, or concepts.
 
* '''Example''': 何をしますか？ (nani o shimasu ka?) - What will you do?
 
==== 2. 誰 (だれ / dare) - Who ====
 
"誰" is used to inquire about people.
 
* '''Example''': 誰が先生ですか？ (dare ga sensei desu ka?) - Who is the teacher?
 
==== 3. どこ (doko) - Where ====


The question word "どこ" is used to ask about a location or place. It is equivalent to the English word "where." Here are a few examples:
"どこ" is used to ask about locations.


{| class="wikitable"
* '''Example''': どこに住んでいますか？ (doko ni sundeimasu ka?) - Where do you live?
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
 
|-
==== 4. いつ (itsu) - When ====
| どこですか？ || Doko desu ka? || Where is it?
 
|-
"いつ" is used to inquire about time.
| どこへ行きますか？ || Doko e ikimasu ka? || Where are you going?
 
|-
* '''Example''': いつ行きますか？ (itsu ikimasu ka?) - When will you go?
| どこで会いましょうか？ || Doko de aimashou ka? || Where should we meet?
 
|-
==== 5. なぜ (naze) - Why ====
| どこから来ましたか？ || Doko kara kimashita ka? || Where are you from?
 
|}
"なぜ" is used to question reasons.
 
* '''Example''': なぜ遅れましたか？ (naze okuremashita ka?) - Why were you late?
 
==== 6. どうやって (douyatte) - How ====
 
"どうやって" is used to ask about methods or ways.
 
* '''Example''': どうやって行きますか？ (douyatte ikimasu ka?) - How do you get there?
 
==== 7. どれ (dore) - Which ====
 
"どれ" is used when asking for a choice among multiple options.
 
* '''Example''': どれがあなたのですか？ (dore ga anata no desu ka?) - Which one is yours?
 
==== 8. いくつ (ikutsu) - How many ====
 
"いくつ" is used to ask about quantities.
 
* '''Example''': いくつのリンゴがありますか？ (ikutsu no ringo ga arimasu ka?) - How many apples do you have?
 
==== 9. どの (dono) - Which (specific) ====
 
"どの" is used before a noun to ask about a specific item.
 
* '''Example''': どの映画が好きですか？ (dono eiga ga suki desu ka?) - Which movie do you like?
 
==== 10. どんな (donna) - What kind of ====
 
"どんな" is used to ask about types or kinds.
 
* '''Example''': どんな音楽が好きですか？ (donna ongaku ga suki desu ka?) - What kind of music do you like?
 
=== Practice Exercises ===
 
Let’s solidify your understanding with some exercises. The goal here is to apply what you've learned in practical scenarios.
 
==== Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks ====
 
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate question word.
 
1. ____ はあなたの名前ですか？
 
2. ____ で会いますか？
 
3. ____ の映画が好きですか？
 
4. ____ から来ましたか？
 
5. ____ がありますか？
 
==== Exercise 2: Formulate Questions ====
 
Convert the following statements into questions using the appropriate question word.


=== 4. いつ - When ===
1. 彼は学生です。 (He is a student.)


The question word "いつ" is used to ask about a specific time or period. It is equivalent to the English word "when." Here are a few examples:
2. その本は面白いです。 (That book is interesting.)


{| class="wikitable"
3. 彼女は日本にいます。 (She is in Japan.)
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
|-
| いつですか？ || Itsu desu ka? || When is it?
|-
| いつ行きますか？ || Itsu ikimasu ka? || When are you going?
|-
| いつ始まりますか？ || Itsu hajimarimasu ka? || When does it start?
|-
| いつ会いましょうか？ || Itsu aimashou ka? || When should we meet?
|}


=== 5. なぜ - Why ===
4. 明日は晴れです。 (Tomorrow is sunny.)


The question word "なぜ" is used to ask about the reason or cause of something. It is equivalent to the English word "why." Here are a few examples:
5. 私はサッカーが好きです。 (I like soccer.)


{| class="wikitable"
==== Exercise 3: Match the Questions with Answers ====
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
|-
| なぜですか？ || Naze desu ka? || Why is it?
|-
| なぜ行きますか？ || Naze ikimasu ka? || Why are you going?
|-
| なぜ買いましたか？ || Naze kaimashita ka? || Why did you buy it?
|-
| なぜ好きですか？ || Naze suki desu ka? || Why do you like it?
|}


=== 6. どのように - How ===
Match the questions to their appropriate answers.


The question phrase "どのように" is used to ask about the method or manner of doing something. It is equivalent to the English word "how." Here are a few examples:
1. 何を食べますか？


{| class="wikitable"
2. 誰が行きますか？
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
|-
| どのようにしますか？ || Dono you ni shimasu ka? || How will you do it?
|-
| どのように作りますか？ || Dono you ni tsukurimasu ka? || How do you make it?
|-
| どのように勉強しますか？ || Dono you ni benkyou shimasu ka? || How do you study?
|-
| どのように感じますか？ || Dono you ni kanjimasu ka? || How do you feel?
|}


== Question Phrases ==
3. どこに住んでいますか？


In addition to question words, there are also specific question phrases in Japanese that are commonly used. These question phrases are formed by combining question words with other words or particles to create more specific questions. Let's explore some of these question phrases.
4. いつ行きますか？


=== 1. どこから - From where ===
5. どうやって行きますか？


The question phrase "どこから" is used to ask about the origin or starting point of something. It is formed by combining the question word "どこ" (where) with the particle "から" (from). Here are a few examples:
A. 明日行きます。 


{| class="wikitable"
B. すしを食べます。 
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
|-
| どこから来ましたか？ || Doko kara kimashita ka? || Where did you come from?
|-
| どこから始めますか？ || Doko kara hajimemasu ka? || Where do we start from?
|-
| どこから始めたらいいですか？ || Doko kara hajimetara ii desu ka? || Where should I start from?
|-
| どこから始まりますか？ || Doko kara hajimarimasu ka? || Where does it start from?
|}


=== 2. 誰と - With whom ===
C. 田中さんが行きます。 


The question phrase "誰と" is used to ask about the person or people someone is accompanying or doing something with. It is formed by combining the question word "誰" (who) with the particle "と" (with). Here are a few examples:
D. 東京に住んでいます。 


{| class="wikitable"
E. バスで行きます。 
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
|-
| 誰と行きますか？ || Dare to ikimasu ka? || Who are you going with?
|-
| 誰と話しましたか？ || Dare to hanashimashita ka? || Who did you talk to?
|-
| 誰と一緒にいますか？ || Dare to issho ni imasu ka? || Who are you with?
|-
| 誰と遊びますか？ || Dare to asobimasu ka? || Who will you play with?
|}


=== 3. 何の - Whose/Which ===
==== Exercise 4: Create Your Own Questions ====


The question phrase "何の" is used to ask about the ownership or affiliation of something. It is formed by combining the question word "何" (what) with the particle "の" (possessive marker). Here are a few examples:
Compose five questions using different question words based on your daily life or interests.


{| class="wikitable"
1.
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
|-
| 何の車ですか？ || Nan no kuruma desu ka? || Whose car is it?
|-
| 何の本を読みますか？ || Nan no hon o yomimasu ka? || Which book will you read?
|-
| 何の色が好きですか？ || Nan no iro ga suki desu ka? || What color do you like?
|-
| 何の味が好きですか？ || Nan no aji ga suki desu ka? || What flavor do you like?
|}


=== 4. いつから - Since when ===
2.


The question phrase "いつから" is used to ask about the starting point or duration of an action or event. It is formed by combining the question word "いつ" (when) with the particle "から" (from). Here are a few examples:
3.


{| class="wikitable"
4.
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
|-
| いつから勉強していますか？ || Itsu kara benkyou shiteimasu ka? || Since when have you been studying?
|-
| いつから始まりますか？ || Itsu kara hajimarimasu ka? || When does it start from?
|-
| いつから知っていますか？ || Itsu kara shitteimasu ka? || Since when have you known?
|-
| いつから使っていますか？ || Itsu kara tsukatteimasu ka? || Since when have you been using?
|}


== Sentence Patterns ==
5.


To form questions in Japanese, specific sentence patterns are used. These sentence patterns involve the use of question words or phrases, particles, and verb conjugations. Let's explore some of the common sentence patterns used to ask questions in Japanese.
=== Solutions and Explanations ===


=== 1. Question Word + ですか ===
Now, let’s go over the answers to the exercises to see how well you understood the material.


The sentence pattern "Question Word + ですか" is a common way to form a question in Japanese. It involves placing a question word or phrase before the copula "です" and adding the question particle "か" at the end. Here are a few examples:
==== Exercise 1 Solutions ====


{| class="wikitable"
1. 何 (nani) はあなたの名前ですか？ (What is your name?)
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
|-
| 何ですか？ || Nan desu ka? || What is it?
|-
| 誰ですか？ || Dare desu ka? || Who is it?
|-
| どこですか？ || Doko desu ka? || Where is it?
|-
| いつですか？ || Itsu desu ka? || When is it?
|-
| なぜですか？ || Naze desu ka? || Why is it?
|-
| どのようにしますか？ || Dono you ni shimasu ka? || How will you do it?
|}


=== 2. Question Phrase + Verb + か ===
2. どこ (doko) で会いますか？ (Where will we meet?)


Another common sentence pattern to form questions in Japanese is "Question Phrase + Verb + か." This pattern involves combining a question phrase with a verb and adding the question particle "か" at the end. Here are a few examples:
3. どの (dono) の映画が好きですか？ (Which movie do you like?)


{| class="wikitable"
4. どこ (doko) から来ましたか？ (Where did you come from?)
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
|-
| どこから来ましたか？ || Doko kara kimashita ka? || Where did you come from?
|-
| 誰と行きますか？ || Dare to ikimasu ka? || Who are you going with?
|-
| 何を食べますか？ || Nani o tabemasu ka? || What will you eat?
|-
| いつ行きますか？ || Itsu ikimasu ka? || When are you going?
|-
| なぜ行きますか？ || Naze ikimasu ka? || Why are you going?
|-
| どのようにしますか？ || Dono you ni shimasu ka? || How will you do it?
|}


=== 3. Verb/Adjective + か ===
5. いくつ (ikutsu) がありますか？ (How many are there?)


In some cases, it is also possible to form questions by using the verb or adjective directly without a question word or phrase. This pattern involves placing the verb or adjective before the question particle "か." Here are a few examples:
==== Exercise 2 Solutions ====


{| class="wikitable"
1. 彼は何ですか？ (What is he?)
! Japanese !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
|-
| 食べますか？ || Tabemasu ka? || Will you eat?
|-
| 来ましたか？ || Kimashita ka? || Did you come?
|-
| 走りますか？ || Hashirimasu ka? || Will you run?
|-
| できますか？ || Dekimasu ka? || Can you do it?
|-
| 暇ですか？ || Hima desu ka? || Are you free?
|-
| 痛いですか？ || Itai desu ka? || Does it hurt?
|}


== Cultural Insights ==
2. その本は何ですか？ (What is that book?)


As we explore question words and phrases in Japanese, it is essential to consider their cultural significance and usage. Here are some cultural insights related to question words and phrases in Japan:
3. 彼女はどこにいますか？ (Where is she?)


1. Politeness: Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on politeness and respect. When asking questions, it is common to use polite language and honorifics to show respect to the person being addressed. This includes the use of respectful forms of verbs and honorific expressions.
4. 明日はいつですか？ (When is tomorrow?)


2. Contextual cues: In Japanese culture, there is often an expectation for people to understand the context of a conversation without explicitly stating it. This means that questions can sometimes be indirect or implied, relying on the listener's ability to infer the intended meaning.
5. サッカーはどうですか？ (How is soccer?)


3. Non-verbal communication: In addition to words and phrases, non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice play a significant role in communication in Japan. Paying attention to these non-verbal cues can provide additional context and help you understand the meaning behind a question.
==== Exercise 3 Solutions ====


4. Group harmony: Japanese society values group harmony and avoiding conflict or disagreement. When asking questions, it is important to be mindful of the potential impact on the harmony of the group. Questions that challenge or criticize others may be considered impolite or confrontational.
1 - B: 何を食べますか？ → すしを食べます。


5. Cultural sensitivity: Japan has a rich cultural heritage and unique customs. When asking questions about cultural practices or traditions, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect. Showing an interest in and understanding of Japanese culture will contribute to more meaningful interactions.
2 - C: 誰が行きますか？ → 田中さんが行きます。


== Practice Exercises ==
3 - D: どこに住んでいますか？ → 東京に住んでいます。


Now it's time to practice what you have learned. Below are some exercises to help you apply your knowledge of question words and phrases in Japanese.
4 - A: いつ行きますか？ → 明日行きます。


Exercise 1: Translate the following English questions into Japanese:
5 - E: どうやって行きますか？ → バスで行きます。


1. What is your name?
==== Exercise 4 Solutions ====
2. Where are you from?
3. Who is your favorite musician?
4. When is your birthday?
5. How do you get to school?


Exercise 2: Form questions using the given question words or phrases:
Your answers will vary! Here are examples:


1. 財布 (さいふ) の色 (いろ) は何 (なに) ですか？
1. 何をしますか？ (What will you do?)
2. 何 (なに) と一緒 (いっしょ) に遊 (あそ) びますか？
3. どのように勉強 (べんきょう) しましたか？
4. どこから来 (き) ましたか？
5. いつ始 (はじ) まりますか？


Exercise 3: Answer the following questions in complete sentences:
2. 誰が好きですか？ (Who do you like?)


1. 誰 (だれ) と映画 (えいが) を見 (み) に行 (い) きましたか？
3. どこに行きたいですか？ (Where do you want to go?)
2. どこでランチを食べましたか？
3. いつ誕生日 (たんじょうび) ですか？
4. なぜ日本語 (にほんご) を勉強 (べんきょう) していますか？
5. どのように旅行 (りょこう) しますか？


== Solutions ==
4. いくつの兄弟がいますか？ (How many siblings do you have?)


Exercise 1:
5. どうやって勉強しますか？ (How do you study?)


1. お名前 (なまえ) は何 (なん) ですか？
Congratulations! You’ve taken a big step in understanding question words in Japanese. Keep practicing, and you’ll find that asking questions becomes second nature.
2. 出身 (しゅっしん) はどこですか？
3. お気 (き) に入 (い) りのミュージシャンは誰 (だれ) ですか？
4. 誕生日 (たんじょうび) はいつですか？
5. 通学 (つうがく) はどのようにしますか？


Exercise 2:
Going forward, these skills will serve as a strong foundation for your communication in Japanese. Remember, practice is key! Don’t hesitate to engage in conversations where you can apply what you’ve learned.


1. What color is your wallet?
{{#seo:
2. Who will you play with?
3. How did you study?
4. Where did you come from?
5. When does it start?


Exercise 3:
|title=Japanese Question Words and Phrases


1. I went to see a movie with my friend.
|keywords=Japanese grammar, question words, Japanese language, learning Japanese, beginner Japanese, A1 level Japanese
2. I had lunch at a restaurant.
3. My birthday is on [date].
4. I am studying Japanese because [reason].
5. I will travel by [mode of transportation].


== Conclusion ==
|description=In this lesson, you will learn essential question words in Japanese, how to use them in conversation, and engage in practical exercises to solidify your understanding.


Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on question words and phrases in Japanese. By mastering these linguistic tools, you have gained the ability to ask and answer basic questions, enhancing your communication skills in Japanese. Remember to practice using question words and phrases in various contexts to solidify your understanding and fluency. Keep exploring the rich cultural insights embedded in the Japanese language, and continue your journey towards becoming proficient in Japanese. Ganbatte kudasai! (Good luck!)
}}


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==Videos==
==Videos==

Latest revision as of 23:01, 31 July 2024

◀️ Noun and Adjective Modification — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Greetings ▶️

Japan-flag-Japanese-Lessons-PolyglotClub.png
Japanese → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Question Words and Phrases

Welcome to our lesson on Question Words and Phrases in Japanese! As you embark on your journey to learn this beautiful language, grasping the art of asking questions is essential. Questions are the backbone of communication—they help you seek information, clarify doubts, and engage in conversation. Mastering question words will not only enhance your ability to communicate but will also enrich your understanding of Japanese culture and context.

In this lesson, we will cover the following topics:

  • The importance of question words in conversation.
  • A breakdown of key question words in Japanese.
  • How to formulate questions using these words.
  • Practical examples to illustrate usage.
  • Exercises to practice what you’ve learned.

Importance of Question Words[edit | edit source]

Question words are fundamental in any language. In Japanese, they allow you to ask about people, places, things, reasons, and times. They help you initiate conversations, gather information, and express curiosity—qualities that are highly valued in Japanese culture.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to construct basic questions and confidently engage in simple conversations. Let’s dive in!

Key Question Words in Japanese[edit | edit source]

Here are some of the most common question words in Japanese:

  • 何 (なに / nani) - What
  • 誰 (だれ / dare) - Who
  • どこ (doko) - Where
  • いつ (itsu) - When
  • なぜ (naze) - Why
  • どうやって (douyatte) - How
  • どれ (dore) - Which
  • いくつ (ikutsu) - How many
  • どの (dono) - Which (among options)
  • どんな (donna) - What kind of

Formulating Questions[edit | edit source]

Now that we've identified the key question words, let's see how to use them in sentences! In Japanese, the structure of a question typically follows this pattern:

Question Word + Topic + Verb + Other Elements

For example:

  • 何 (nani) + が + 食べますか？ (tabemasu ka?) = What do you eat?
  • 誰 (dare) + が + 来ますか？ (kimasu ka?) = Who is coming?

Below is a table illustrating various questions utilizing these question words:

Japanese Pronunciation English
何を食べますか？ nani o tabemasu ka? What do you eat?
誰が来ますか？ dare ga kimasu ka? Who is coming?
どこに行きますか？ doko ni ikimasu ka? Where are you going?
いつ始まりますか？ itsu hajimarimasu ka? When does it start?
なぜそれをしますか？ naze sore o shimasu ka? Why do you do that?
どうやって行きますか？ douyatte ikimasu ka? How do you go?
どれが好きですか？ dore ga suki desu ka? Which do you like?
いくつありますか？ ikutsu arimasu ka? How many are there?
どの本を読みますか？ dono hon o yomimasu ka? Which book do you read?
どんな食べ物が好きですか？ donna tabemono ga suki desu ka? What kind of food do you like?

Exploring Each Question Word[edit | edit source]

Let's dive deeper into each question word to grasp their nuances and applications.

1. 何 (なに / nani) - What[edit | edit source]

"何" is used to ask about objects, actions, or concepts.

  • Example: 何をしますか？ (nani o shimasu ka?) - What will you do?

2. 誰 (だれ / dare) - Who[edit | edit source]

"誰" is used to inquire about people.

  • Example: 誰が先生ですか？ (dare ga sensei desu ka?) - Who is the teacher?

3. どこ (doko) - Where[edit | edit source]

"どこ" is used to ask about locations.

  • Example: どこに住んでいますか？ (doko ni sundeimasu ka?) - Where do you live?

4. いつ (itsu) - When[edit | edit source]

"いつ" is used to inquire about time.

  • Example: いつ行きますか？ (itsu ikimasu ka?) - When will you go?

5. なぜ (naze) - Why[edit | edit source]

"なぜ" is used to question reasons.

  • Example: なぜ遅れましたか？ (naze okuremashita ka?) - Why were you late?

6. どうやって (douyatte) - How[edit | edit source]

"どうやって" is used to ask about methods or ways.

  • Example: どうやって行きますか？ (douyatte ikimasu ka?) - How do you get there?

7. どれ (dore) - Which[edit | edit source]

"どれ" is used when asking for a choice among multiple options.

  • Example: どれがあなたのですか？ (dore ga anata no desu ka?) - Which one is yours?

8. いくつ (ikutsu) - How many[edit | edit source]

"いくつ" is used to ask about quantities.

  • Example: いくつのリンゴがありますか？ (ikutsu no ringo ga arimasu ka?) - How many apples do you have?

9. どの (dono) - Which (specific)[edit | edit source]

"どの" is used before a noun to ask about a specific item.

  • Example: どの映画が好きですか？ (dono eiga ga suki desu ka?) - Which movie do you like?

10. どんな (donna) - What kind of[edit | edit source]

"どんな" is used to ask about types or kinds.

  • Example: どんな音楽が好きですか？ (donna ongaku ga suki desu ka?) - What kind of music do you like?

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Let’s solidify your understanding with some exercises. The goal here is to apply what you've learned in practical scenarios.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate question word.

1. ____ はあなたの名前ですか？

2. ____ で会いますか？

3. ____ の映画が好きですか？

4. ____ から来ましたか？

5. ____ がありますか？

Exercise 2: Formulate Questions[edit | edit source]

Convert the following statements into questions using the appropriate question word.

1. 彼は学生です。 (He is a student.)

2. その本は面白いです。 (That book is interesting.)

3. 彼女は日本にいます。 (She is in Japan.)

4. 明日は晴れです。 (Tomorrow is sunny.)

5. 私はサッカーが好きです。 (I like soccer.)

Exercise 3: Match the Questions with Answers[edit | edit source]

Match the questions to their appropriate answers.

1. 何を食べますか？

2. 誰が行きますか？

3. どこに住んでいますか？

4. いつ行きますか？

5. どうやって行きますか？

A. 明日行きます。

B. すしを食べます。

C. 田中さんが行きます。

D. 東京に住んでいます。

E. バスで行きます。

Exercise 4: Create Your Own Questions[edit | edit source]

Compose five questions using different question words based on your daily life or interests.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Solutions and Explanations[edit | edit source]

Now, let’s go over the answers to the exercises to see how well you understood the material.

Exercise 1 Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. 何 (nani) はあなたの名前ですか？ (What is your name?)

2. どこ (doko) で会いますか？ (Where will we meet?)

3. どの (dono) の映画が好きですか？ (Which movie do you like?)

4. どこ (doko) から来ましたか？ (Where did you come from?)

5. いくつ (ikutsu) がありますか？ (How many are there?)

Exercise 2 Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. 彼は何ですか？ (What is he?)

2. その本は何ですか？ (What is that book?)

3. 彼女はどこにいますか？ (Where is she?)

4. 明日はいつですか？ (When is tomorrow?)

5. サッカーはどうですか？ (How is soccer?)

Exercise 3 Solutions[edit | edit source]

1 - B: 何を食べますか？ → すしを食べます。

2 - C: 誰が行きますか？ → 田中さんが行きます。

3 - D: どこに住んでいますか？ → 東京に住んでいます。

4 - A: いつ行きますか？ → 明日行きます。

5 - E: どうやって行きますか？ → バスで行きます。

Exercise 4 Solutions[edit | edit source]

Your answers will vary! Here are examples:

1. 何をしますか？ (What will you do?)

2. 誰が好きですか？ (Who do you like?)

3. どこに行きたいですか？ (Where do you want to go?)

4. いくつの兄弟がいますか？ (How many siblings do you have?)

5. どうやって勉強しますか？ (How do you study?)

Congratulations! You’ve taken a big step in understanding question words in Japanese. Keep practicing, and you’ll find that asking questions becomes second nature.

Going forward, these skills will serve as a strong foundation for your communication in Japanese. Remember, practice is key! Don’t hesitate to engage in conversations where you can apply what you’ve learned.

Table of Contents - Japanese Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Hiragana Basics


Greetings and Introductions


Geography and History


Adjectives and Adverbs


Family and Social Relations


Religion and Philosophy


Particles and Conjunctions


Travel and Tourism


Education and Science


Prepositions and Interjections


Arts and Media


Politics and Society

Videos[edit | edit source]

150 Questions and Answers In Japanese Learn Practical Japanese ...[edit | edit source]

Learn Japanese Grammar - Asking Simple Questions in Japanese ...[edit | edit source]

Learn Japanese - 5W1H - Japanese Question Words - YouTube[edit | edit source]


Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



◀️ Noun and Adjective Modification — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Greetings ▶️

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