Japanese grammar
What does 何・だれ・いつ・どこ（question words） mean? Japanese grammar N5
何・だれ・いつ・どこ（question words） means what / who / when / where.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N5 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 疑問詞 + は/が/を + ～ですか |
| Romaji | nani / dare / itsu / doko |
| Meaning | what / who / when / where |
How to use it
Ask for specific information.
- A question word sits in the EXACT SPOT of the information being asked about — it is not moved to the front like in English.
- 何 is read なに or なん depending on the sound that follows: 何ですか is read なんですか, 何を is read なにを.
- After a question word, don't use は — use が instead: 「だれが来ましたか。」
Examples
これは何ですか。
What is this?
誕生日はいつですか。
When is your birthday?
Common mistakes
-
Wrongだれは来ましたか。
Who came?
Correctだれが来ましたか。
When a question word is the subject, use が, not は.