Does it have to be a question?

[uuunut7517]

Can what "nan.nani" be used in a other way like "I don't know what it's called in Japanese", does "what" have to be a question?
If so what other way can I use it? I'm still an Absolutw Beginner.

[mewes6190]

Hey there,

I'm not sure if I understood your question correctly - you'd like to know if "nan" or "nani" can mean any other word than "what", right?

If so: Yes. Nan or nani can be pretty much every question word.

Like, nankai or nando can mean "how often" or "How many times". Nanji can mean "At what time". In short: whenever ther's no specific amount or point to be adressed, nan or nani can be used.

In advanced uses, it kinda focuses on this unspecific use. Like nandomo means "often" or "many times", nanimo on the other hand means "nothing" or "not at all" and nanika means "something" (Or again "nothing" when used with negative).

But for the moment and as a beginner, you should try to stick with the "what" or "how" aspect of the word. The rest will get more clear as you progress in your general understanding.

Best,
Kurokuma

[community.japanese]

uuunut7517-san, Kurokuma-san,
kon'nichiwa!

Thank you very much for the great help, Kurokuma-san

Yes; "nan" or "nani" can be integrated into "affirmative" or "negative" sentences.
Like Kurokuma-san explained, the word for "what" can be either "nan" or "nani" depending on
the next word (the word "nan/nani" modifies).

For example, if you know how to tell time, you'd be able to say "I'll come at 3 o'clock":
(watashi wa) 3ji ni kimasu.
Now, you're not sure what time you can come, then the word "nan" replace "3". Then add "wakarimasen"
(= I don't know) at the end of the sentence.
(watashi wa) nan ji ni kuru ka wakarimasen.

Hope this helps!

Natsuko (奈津子),
Team JapanesePod101.com

[uuunut7517]

Like can it be used in a statement?

[community.japanese]

uuunut7517-san,
I'm now not too sure what the main point here is...
Like I gave you examples, will you provide example sentences to clarify your question, please?
I think both Kurokuma-san and I replied to you without understanding your question fully.

If the "statement" means the sentences like "I know what time the movie starts",
yes "what time" in this sentence is "nanji" in Japanese too.
"Nanji ni eiga ga hajimaruka shitte imasu."

Does this answer to your question?

Natsuko (奈津子),
Team JapanesePod101.com

[uuunut7517]

Yes. Thank you.

[community.japanese]

uuunut7517-san,
you're welcome

Natsuko (奈津子),
Team JapanesePod101.com