Understanding Key Question Words in Japanese

Question words are super important when you're learning Japanese. They help you talk to others and understand conversations better.

Let’s look at some key question words that you'll often use:

1. Who (だれ, dare): This word is for asking about people.

   • Example: だれが来ますか？(Dare ga kimasu ka?) - "Who is coming?"

2. What (何, nani): Use this word when you want to know about things or ideas.

   • Example: 何を食べますか？(Nani o tabemasu ka?) - "What will you eat?"

3. Where (どこ, doko): This word helps you ask where something is.

   • Example: トイレはどこですか？(Toire wa doko desu ka?) - "Where is the bathroom?"

4. When (いつ, itsu): Use this one to ask about time.

   • Example: いつ行きますか？(Itsu ikimasu ka?) - "When are you going?"

5. Why (なぜ, naze): This question word is for asking why something happened.

   • Example: なぜ遅れましたか？(Naze okuremashita ka?) - "Why are you late?"

6. How (どう, dou): Use this to ask how something is done or the way it is.

   • Example: どうやって行きますか？(Douyatte ikimasu ka?) - "How do you go?"

Learning these question words will help you speak better and understand Japanese conversations more easily. Enjoy your learning journey!