δ½
JLPT N5
What, which, how many
Readings
Onβyomi: γ« ()
Kunβyomi: γͺγ«, γͺγ (nani, nan)
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
δ½
γͺγ«
what
δ½δΊΊ
γͺγγ«γ
how many people
δ½ζ
γͺγγ
what time
δ½ε
γͺγγγ
how many times
δ½γ
γͺγ«γ
something
Example Sentences
δ½γγγΎγγγ
γͺγ«γ γγΎγγγ
What will you do?
δ½δΊΊζ₯γΎγγγ
γͺγγ«γ γγΎγγγ
How many people will come?
δ»δ½ζγ§γγγ
γγΎ γͺγγγ§γγγ
What time is it now?
δ½εθ‘γγΎγγγγ
γͺγγγ γγγΎγγγγ
How many times did you go?
δ½γι£γΉγΎγγγ
γͺγ«γ γγΉγΎγγγ
Will you eat something?
Cultural Note
In Japanese, the word δ½ (γͺγ« / γͺγ) appears in many daily expressions β but the choice between γͺγ« and γͺγ depends on the following sound.
For example:
β’ Before βd/t/nβ sounds β use γͺγ β γͺγγ§γγ, γͺγγ«γ, γͺγγ
β’ Before other sounds β use γͺγ« β γͺγ«γγ, γͺγ«γγγΎγγ
This adjustment helps Japanese speech flow smoothly and naturally (a concept called ι³δΎΏ / γγγ³γ, βsound smoothingβ).
Also, δ½ often appears in polite questions β since Japanese culture values indirect and gentle communication, question forms with δ½ are often softened by expressions like
δ½γ§γγγγ (What might it be?) or δ½γ§γγγ (I wonder what it is).
These small nuances reflect Japanβs emphasis on respectful and harmonious interaction. π―π΅
For example:
β’ Before βd/t/nβ sounds β use γͺγ β γͺγγ§γγ, γͺγγ«γ, γͺγγ
β’ Before other sounds β use γͺγ« β γͺγ«γγ, γͺγ«γγγΎγγ
This adjustment helps Japanese speech flow smoothly and naturally (a concept called ι³δΎΏ / γγγ³γ, βsound smoothingβ).
Also, δ½ often appears in polite questions β since Japanese culture values indirect and gentle communication, question forms with δ½ are often softened by expressions like
δ½γ§γγγγ (What might it be?) or δ½γ§γγγ (I wonder what it is).
These small nuances reflect Japanβs emphasis on respectful and harmonious interaction. π―π΅