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Markdown lesson

How do you say "What is this?" in Japanese?

Use this at a restaurant when you ask about menu items.

What is this?

メニュー確認

Use これはなんですか (kore wa nan desu ka) at a restaurant when you ask about menu items. The reusable part is `〜 は なん ですか`.

Answer

Two layers, same practical line

これはなんですか

これ は / なん ですか

kore wa / nan desu ka

Lesson body

Rendered from one markdown file

Quick use

Use これはなんですか (kore wa nan desu ka) at a restaurant when you ask about menu items. It helps you move the conversation to the important point quickly.

Chunk or pattern

  • Reusable pattern: 〜 は / なん ですか
  • Replace the part with the thing, place, document, item, or action you need in that scene.
  • Good swaps here: これは, このしょるいは, このことばは.

Helper words and endings

  • ですか: polite question ending.
  • : marks the topic, often "as for ...".

Practical note

Restaurant staff are usually listening for the key item or problem, so a short clear line works well.