Translation guide
How to ask 'what's that?' in Japanese, depending on distance, formality, and context.
Casual, used among friends or family. Drops the copula and question particle.
それ何？
What's that?
Slightly more formal than それ何？ but still casual. Includes the topic marker は.
それは何？
What's that?
The speaker wants to know what something is that is distant from both.
The speaker wants to know what something is that is close to themselves.
The speaker didn't hear or understand, or is surprised by what was said.
Polite 'What is it?' or 'What?' Can be used to ask for repetition or clarification.
何ですか？
What? / What is it?
Casual 'What?' Often used when surprised or to ask for clarification among friends.
何？
What?
Casual 'Huh? What?' Expresses surprise or confusion.
え？何？
Huh? What?
The speaker needs a very polite or formal way to ask.
Very polite, often used in customer service or formal writing.
それは何でしょうか？
What might that be?
Use これ for things near the speaker, それ for things near the listener, and あれ for things far from both. In questions, それ is often the default when the object is closer to the listener.
English 'that' can refer to abstract ideas or previous statements. In Japanese, you often need to rephrase or use そのこと (that matter) or それ (that) depending on context. Direct translation may sound unnatural.