Translation guide
The English word 'something' refers to an unspecified thing. In Japanese, it is commonly expressed with 何か (nanika), but depending on context, other expressions like あるもの (aru mono) or 何かしら (nanikashira) may be used. The choice depends on whether the thing is completely unknown, vaguely defined, or intentionally left unspecified.
Referring to a thing that is not specified or known, often in statements or questions.
The most common and neutral way to say 'something'. Used in both statements and questions.
何か食べたい。
I want to eat something.
何かあったの？
Did something happen?
Emphasizes that there is definitely something, even if unspecified. Slightly more emphatic than 何か.
何かしら理由があるはずだ。
There must be some reason or other.
Literally 'a thing that exists'. Used when 'something' refers to an existing but unspecified object, often in more formal or written contexts.
彼はあるものを隠している。
He is hiding something.
Emphasizing the existence of at least one thing, often in contrast with 'nothing'.
Using 何か with the topic marker は to contrast with nothing. Often used in patterns like 何かはある (there is something).
冷蔵庫に何かはあるよ。
There is something in the fridge (at least).
Emphatic version of 何かは, stressing that there is definitely something.
何かしらは見つかるだろう。
We'll find something, I'm sure.
Referring to an abstract quality, feeling, or concept that is hard to define.
Still the default, but often used with adjectives or verbs describing feelings or impressions.
彼女には何か特別なものがある。
She has something special.
Used when hesitating or searching for words, similar to 'something like...' in English.
何かこう、違うんだよな。
It's just... something's off, you know?
In negative contexts, 'something' often becomes 'anything' in English, but Japanese uses the same word 何か.
In negative sentences, 何か means 'anything' (i.e., not even one thing).
Note that in negative responses, 何も (nanimo) is used instead of 何か. 何か is for questions or positive statements.
何か問題がありますか？→いいえ、何もありません。
Is there something wrong? → No, there's nothing.
Used at the end of a phrase to indicate uncertainty or approximation, like 'or something'.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'or something like that'. Often used after giving an example.
映画を見るとか何かしよう。
Let's watch a movie or something.
Casual contraction of か何か, meaning 'or something'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
お茶かなんか飲まない？
Want to get some tea or something?
何か (nanika) is used in positive and interrogative sentences. In negative sentences, use 何も (nanimo) to mean 'nothing' or 'not anything'. For example: 何かある？ (Is there something?) vs. 何もない (There is nothing).
In casual speech, 何か (often pronounced なんか) can be used as a filler word similar to 'like' or 'kind of'. Example: なんかさ、あの人ちょっと変じゃない？ (Like, isn't that person a bit weird?).