Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "What" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "what", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
どんな
どんな (donna)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一体
いったい (ittai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "what" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between どんな and 一体.
In Japanese, どんな (どんな (donna)) is typically associated with "What kind of; What sort of." (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used to ask about the nature, type, or characteristics of something. Always precedes a noun..
On the other hand, 一体 (いったい (ittai)) maps to "(what/who/where/when/how) in the world; what on earth" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used as an intensifier with interrogative words. A literal translation of "what" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "どんな"
どんな食べ物が好きですか。
What kind of food do you like?
Bilingual Context for "一体"
一体何があったのか、教えてください。
Please tell me what on earth happened.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 食べ物が好きですか。" (Meaning: "What kind of food do you like?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "どんな" fits here because it means "What kind of; What sort of." in the context of: "What kind of food do you like?". "一体" represents "(what/who/where/when/how) in the world; what on earth".