何々(なになに)

なになに
pronoun, interjection
what; such and such
1. such and such; so-and-so
A placeholder for unspecified items or details when listing or explaining.
何々(なになに)を持(も)ってきてくださいと言(い)われた。
I was told to bring such and such things.
Placeholder usage
何々(なになに)と何々(なになに)が要(い)ると言(い)っていた。
They said they need such and such and such and such.
書類(しょるい)に「何々(なになに)様(さま)」と書(か)いてあった。
On the document it said 'Mr./Ms. So-and-so'.
先生(せんせい)が「教科書(きょうかしょ)の何々(なになに)ページを開(ひら)いてください」と言(い)った。
The teacher said, 'Please open to such-and-such page in the textbook.'
手続(てつづ)きに必要(ひつよう)なものは何々(なになに)ですか。
What items are needed for the procedure?
Placeholder for an unknown list of items
2. what?; what is it?
Used when asking someone to repeat or clarify what they said, or expressing curiosity.
「面白(おもしろ)い話(はなし)があるんだ」「何々(なになに)？」
'I have an interesting story.' 'What? What is it?'
Expressing curiosity
何々(なになに)、大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)だよ。
What? It's fine, don't worry.
Dismissive/reassuring
「何々(なになに)？聞(き)こえなかった。」
'What? I couldn't hear.'
「何々(なになに)、そんなことがあったの？」と身(み)を乗(の)り出(だ)した。
'What, that happened?' she said, leaning forward with curiosity.
「いいこと教(おし)えてあげる。」「何々(なになに)？早(はや)く教(おし)えて！」
'I'll tell you something good.' 'What? What? Tell me quickly!'

USAGE:
1. As a placeholder: Substitutes for unspecified items in examples or when you can't recall specifics
2. As an interjection: Expresses curiosity or asks for clarification

SIMILAR WORDS:

TONE: Casual. The interjection usage can sound eager/curious or slightly dismissive depending on context.

Related Words

Related: 何(なに) (what)
core
Added 2026.1.13 16:50 · Revised 2026.5.29 3:09
04000/04011_naninani