Understanding 'Why,' 'What,' and 'How' in English: Key Differences for Japanese Learners

For Japanese learners, mastering question words in English can be challenging. Words like "why", "what", and "how" often have nuanced meanings and distinct usage that differ from their Japanese counterparts—なぜ (naze), 何 (nani), and どう (dou) or どうやって (douyatte). This blog explains these differences with clear examples, tips, and cultural insights to help you use these question words naturally and effectively.

1. 'Why': Asking for Reasons

In English, "why" is used to ask about the reason or cause of something.

• Japanese Equivalent: なぜ (naze), どうして (doushite)
• Purpose: To find out the reason or explanation.

Examples:

• Why are you late?
  → なぜ遅れたのですか？
• Why did you quit your job?
  → どうして仕事を辞めたのですか？

Key Differences:

• In English, "why" is direct and neutral.
• In Japanese, なぜ is formal, while どうして is conversational and often expresses emotions like curiosity or frustration.
  Example:
  • どうして来なかったの？ (Why didn’t you come?) can feel casual or accusatory based on tone.

Cultural Tip:

"Why" can sound blunt in English. To soften it, add phrases like "I was wondering why…" or "Could you tell me why…?"

2. 'What': Asking for Information

"What" is one of the most versatile question words in English, used to ask about things, actions, or specifics.

• Japanese Equivalent: 何 (nani), 何で (nande)
• Purpose: To gather information or identify something.

Examples:

• What is this?
  → これは何ですか？
• What are you doing?
  → 何をしていますか？

Key Differences:

• English explicitly uses "what" even when the context is clear, while Japanese often relies on implied meaning.
  Example:
  • English: "What’s your name?"
  • Japanese: 名前は何ですか？ (The subject "your name" is already clear from context in Japanese.)

Common Pitfalls:

• Avoid literal translations.
  Example: "What is this?" sounds odd if translated as "What is this one thing?"

3. 'How': Asking About Methods or Conditions

"How" in English is used to ask about methods, conditions, or states.

• Japanese Equivalent: どう (dou), どうやって (douyatte)
• Purpose: To inquire about ways of doing things or someone’s condition.

Examples:

• How do you get to the station?
  → 駅までどうやって行きますか？
• How are you?
  → お元気ですか？

Key Differences:

• In English, "how" is often used to ask about someone’s well-being ("How are you?"), while Japanese uses set expressions like お元気ですか.
• For methods, English requires a subject and verb.
  Example:
  • Japanese: どうやって駅に行く？
  • English: How do you get to the station? (Subjects like "you" and helping verbs like "do" are essential.)

4. Common Mistakes and Fixes

Mistake 1: Overusing 'Why'

• Incorrect: Why is your name?
• Correct: What is your name?

Mistake 2: Mixing 'What' and 'Which'

• "What" is for open-ended questions, while "which" is for choices.
  Example:
  • Incorrect: What colour do you like, blue or red?
  • Correct: Which colour do you like, blue or red?

Mistake 3: Dropping the Subject

• Incorrect: What is? (何ですか？)
• Correct: What is it?

5. Politeness and Cultural Differences

Tone plays a significant role in Japanese questions. For instance:

• Japanese: どうして行かないの？
• English: "Why aren’t you going?"

The Japanese version can convey curiosity or frustration based on tone. In English, tone is less expressive, so word choice is critical for politeness.

6. Practice Questions

To master these question words, try answering the following in both Japanese and English:

1. What’s your favourite food?
   → あなたの好きな食べ物は何ですか？
2. How do you study English?
   → 英語をどうやって勉強しますか？
3. Why do you want to study abroad?
   → なぜ留学したいのですか？

Understanding the nuances of "why," "what," and "how" helps you communicate clearly in English. By practising these distinctions and comparing them to Japanese, you’ll gain confidence and sound more natural in conversation. Keep asking questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re the key to learning!