Asking meaning of word
Can someone explain me the difference between the two following sentences, which are both meant for asking the meaning of a word?
1) "Bicycle" ha nihongode nanto iu imi desu ka?
2) "Bycicle" ha nihongode nanto iimasu ka?
Can the reader also try to explain the meaning of "imi". Does this literally mean "meaning"?
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 4
1
As Tangoya-san pointed out, the first sentence doesn't sound natural. You could say instead:
Jitensha to iu no wa do- iu imi desu ka?
OR
Jitensha tte do- iu imi desu ka?
1
1) "Bicycle" ha nihongode nanto iu imi desu ka?
--> What's the meaning of "bicycle" in Japanese?
2) "Bycicle" ha nihongode nanto iimasu ka?
--> How do you/ they say "bicycle" in Japanese?
(Though it's not the direct translation, it can be translated as: How can I say "bicycle" in Japanese?)
0
The meaning of "imi" is meaning, so the former sentence is not really grammatical. The meaning of the English word "bicycle" does not change even in Japanese. A bicycle should mean a bicycle everywhere in the world. The second sentence is absolutely grammatical and idiomatic.
0
Yes, 'imi' means 'meaning'. That's why it is easy to remember the word since they are almost similar, right?->('imi' and 'meaning'). Also, please note that the word for 'is' is pronounce 'wa' even though it is written 'ha' in Hiragana. That's why while writing in English using 'wa' instead of 'ha' is a good practice...^_^
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!
Start Learning Today
