Translation and Meaning of: 何の - dono

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 何の (dono) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: dono

Kana: どの

Type: interrogative pronoun

L: jlpt-n1, jlpt-n5

何の

Translation / Meaning: which what

Meaning in English: which;what

Definition: Something that is not worth it or is unproductive. It doesn't make sense. something worthless.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (何の) dono

Etymology and Meaning of 「何の」 and 「どの」

The Japanese words 「何の」 (nano) and 「どの」 (dono) are demonstrative pronouns used to ask questions or indicate specificity regarding an object or person. The etymology of both reveals interesting nuances that trace their origins and uses in the Japanese language.

「何の」 is composed of the kanji 「何」 which means "what" or "which", and the particle 「の」 which acts as a genitive or possessive, linking nouns in Japanese. In this way, 「何の」 is used to ask basically "what of" or "which type of", requesting a specification about something. For example, in the context of questions, it could refer to "what type of book" or "which type of information".

On the other hand, 「どの」 (dono) brings different nuances. 「ど」 derives from the old Japanese interrogative expression related to inquiry or questioning, and 「の」 again serves as a possessive or genitive particle. Thus, 「どの」 is used to indicate "which" in the sense of choosing between various options or alternatives. This distinguishes it from 「何の」, which may not make direct comparisons or selections among options.

Uso no Cotidiano e Contextos

These terms are deeply embedded in the everyday usage of the Japanese language, especially in informal verbal and written interactions. Typically, people in daily situations use 「何の」 when they are seeking detailed information about something, such as when asking about the origin of a product or the type of planned activity.

"Já 「どの」 is extremely common in situations where one is faced with multiple options or visible choices, like choosing a book on a shelf or deciding which road to take. Its applicability stands out in environments where decision-making based on multiple options is required."

Conclusão sobre as Diferenças e Similaridades

Both terms, although similar in function, exhibit distinct differences in practical use. 「何の」 emphasizes the specificity of something when seeking additional clarification, while 「どの」 is distinguished by its function of selection or choice among entities. Understanding these nuances enriches the comprehension and use of the language in various contexts of interaction in everyday Japanese.

Synonyms and similar words

何 (nani) - Which
どの (dono) - Which (choose between specific options)
どんな (donna) - Que tipo de
どういう (dou iu) - What kind of / How is it that
何か (nanka) - Alguma coisa
何処の (doko no) - From which place
何方の (dare no) - From which person (formal)
何故の (naze no) - Why (formal)
何故なら (naze nara) - Because (explanatory)
何故か (nazeka) - Somehow
何故って (naze tte) - Because
何故と言うと (naze to iu to) - If I say it's because
何故って言うと (naze tte iu to) - If I say it's because
何故っていうと (naze tte iu to) - If I say it's because
何故って言えば (naze tte ieba) - If I say it's because
何故っていうなら (naze tte iu nara) - If you're asking why
何故って言われると (naze tte iwareru to) - When to say "because"
何故って言われたら (naze tte iwaretara) - If they ask me "why"
何故って言われても (naze tte iwaretemo) - Even if they tell me "why"
何故って言われたとしても (naze tte iwareta to shitemo) - Even if they tell me "why"
何故って言われたところで (naze tte iwareta tokoro de) - Even if they tell me "why"
何故って言われたところで意味がない (naze tte iwareta tokoro de imi ga nai) - It doesn't make sense even when they tell me "why."
何故って言われたところで仕方がない (naze tte iwareta tokoro de shikata ga nai) - There is nothing to do even if they tell me "why."