なにそれ

なにそれ
expression
what's that?, what do you mean?
informalspokencommunication
1. what's that?, what is it?
A casual expression of curiosity when encountering something unfamiliar or unexpected.
なにそれ、見(み)せて！
What's that? Show me!
なにそれ、初(はじ)めて聞(き)いた。
What's that? I've never heard of it.
なにそれ、美味(おい)しそう。どこで買(か)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(いみ)わかんない。
What do you mean? I don't get it.
急(きゅう)に予定(よてい)変更(へんこう)？なにそれ。
A sudden schedule change? What's that about.
「明日(あした)のパーティーは中止(ちゅうし)だって。」「なにそれ、楽(たの)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.

Functions

1. Curious/interested (upbeat tone): 'What's that? Tell me more!'
2. Confused/annoyed (flat tone): 'What's that supposed to mean?'

Forms

  • なにそれ: standard casual
  • 何(なに)それ: sometimes written with kanji
  • なにそれー: drawn out, more expressive

Related words

  • 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(なに)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(なん)ですか、それは.

Related Words

Related: なにこれ ('what's this?')
Compare: なんだよ (what the heck)
general
Added 2026.2.10 9:31 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
10500/10769_nanisore