pronoun
Interrogative pronoun asking for identification or explanation. Used in questions and embedded clauses.
See also: 何
これは何ですか。
What is this?
何が欲しいか教えてください。
Please tell me what you want.
prefix
Prefix used before a counter to ask about quantity. Followed by a counter word.
See also: 何か月
この箱にはリンゴが何個入っていますか。
How many apples are in this box?
prefix
Prefix used with a counter and も to express a large indefinite quantity. Often implies 'many times' or 'for many days'.
彼には何度も注意した。
I warned him many times.
何日も雨が降り続いている。
It has been raining for many days.
prefix
Prefix used with a counter and か to express an indefinite small number. Indicates 'some' or 'a few'.
See also: 何日か
何日か休みを取るつもりです。
I plan to take a few days off.
The reading なん is a contraction of なに, used before certain sounds and in counting expressions. The kanji 何 is used for both readings.