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    Dictionary
    1. Dictionary
    2. Grammar
    3. なんていうか

    なんていうか

    なんていうか

    This phrase helps you when you are thinking of what to say. It is like saying 'um' or 'well' in English.

    KMT3CasualDiscourse MarkerSpoken OnlyConversational Fillers And HedgesGrammar

    なんていうかPrimary

    This phrase helps you when you are thinking of what to say. It is like saying 'um' or 'well' in English.

    あの映えい画が、なんていうか、心こころに残のこるものがあったよね。

    That movie, how should I put it... it really left an impression, didn't it?

    CasualPastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeMusic & Entertainment
    なんていうか、彼かれのやり方かたはあまり好すきじゃないんだ。

    How do I say this... I'm not a big fan of his methods.

    CasualNon PastNegativeClause InitialDeclarativeWork & CareerEmotions & Psychology
    昨きの日うのパーティー、なんていうか、独どく特とくの雰ふん囲い気きだったね。

    Yesterday's party had, well, a unique atmosphere, didn't it?

    NeutralPastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeDaily Life
    なんていうか、もう少すこし自じ分ぶんの意い見けんをはっきり言いった方ほうがいいと思おもうよ。

    You know, I think it would be better if you stated your own opinion a little more clearly.

    CasualNon PastAffirmativeClause InitialConjecturalFamily & RelationshipsEmotions & Psychology
    この料りょう理り、なんていうか、甘あまいけどスパイシーで、不ふ思し議ぎな味あじだね。

    This dish, it's like... sweet but spicy, a strange flavor, isn't it?

    NeutralNon PastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeFood & Dining

    This phrase is like a soft cushion for your words. It makes what you say next feel less strong. Use it when your thoughts are hard to share. It helps your words land gently.

    This is like 'um' or 'uh' in English. It is different from 'etto' or 'ano' because you are looking for the right words. It is different from 'nanka' because 'nanka' means 'like' or 'kind of'.

    Use this when you need a moment to think. It tells people you are looking for the right words. It is like saying "how should I put it?" or "well" in English.

    More formal alternatives(1)

    なんか

    This word is like saying "um" or "you know" in English. It helps you pause or make your words sound softer. It shows you might be a little unsure.

    〜と (quotation)

    This word shows what someone said. It also shows what someone thought. Or it shows a sound someone heard.

    辞書形

    This is the basic form of a verb. It is what you find in a dictionary. You use it to make other verb forms.

    〜か

    This word makes a sentence a question. It is like putting a question mark at the end.

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    Related concepts for this entry

    Similar concepts

    • なんか

    prerequisite

    • 〜と (quotation)
    • 辞書形
    • 〜か

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