なにそれ
なにそれ
expression
what's that?, what do you mean?
1.
what's that?, what is it?
A casual expression of curiosity when encountering something unfamiliar or unexpected.
なにそれ、見せて！
What's that? Show me!
なにそれ、初めて聞いた。
What's that? I've never heard of it.
なにそれ、美味しそう。どこで買ったの？
What's that? It looks delicious. Where did you buy it?
2.
what do you mean?, that's weird
An expression of disbelief, confusion, or mild annoyance in response to something strange or unreasonable.
なにそれ、意味わかんない。
What do you mean? I don't get it.
急に予定変更？なにそれ。
A sudden schedule change? What's that about.
「明日のパーティーは中止だって。」「なにそれ、楽しみにしてたのに。」
"They say tomorrow's party is cancelled." "What? I was looking forward to it."
A very casual expression used among friends and family. The tone of voice determines the meaning.
TWO USES:
1. Curious/interested (upbeat tone): 'What's that? Tell me more!'
2. Confused/annoyed (flat tone): 'What's that supposed to mean?'
VARIATIONS:
- なにそれ: standard casual
- 何それ: sometimes written with kanji
- なにそれー: drawn out, more expressive
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- なにこれ: 'what's this?' (something near the speaker)
- なにそれ: 'what's that?' (something near the listener or abstract)
- 何ですかそれ: polite equivalent
REGISTER:
Very informal. Not appropriate for use with superiors, strangers, or in formal situations. The polite equivalent would be 何ですか、それは.