何事(なにごと)

なにごと
noun
what, what matter, everything
1. what, what matter, what on earth
Used to ask or express surprise about what is happening. More formal or dramatic than simply なに.
何事(なにごと)かと思(おも)った。
I wondered what was going on.
外(そと)で大(おお)きな音(おと)がして、何事(なにごと)かと窓(まど)を開(あ)けた。
There was a loud noise outside, so I opened the window to see what was happening.
何事(なにごと)もなかったように振(ふ)る舞(ま)った。
He acted as if nothing had happened.
2. everything, anything, all matters
Used with も to mean 'everything' or 'anything,' often in the context of approaching all things with a certain attitude.
何事(なにごと)も経験(けいけん)だ。
Everything is an experience.
何事(なにごと)も最初(さいしょ)が肝心(かんじん)だ。
In everything, the beginning is crucial.
何事(なにごと)にも全力(ぜんりょく)で取(と)り組(く)む姿勢(しせい)が大切(たいせつ)だ。
The attitude of giving your all in everything is important.

何事(なにごと) is a more formal and dramatic way of saying "what" (何(なに)). It also means "everything/anything" when paired with も.

SENSE 1 — WHAT (SURPRISE/ALARM):

  • 何事(なにごと)かと思(おも)う: to wonder what is going on
  • 何事(なにごと)だ: What's happening? / What is this?
  • 何事(なにごと)もなかったように: as if nothing had happened (very common set phrase)

SENSE 2 — EVERYTHING/ANYTHING:

Register

More literary and elevated than plain 何(なに). Conveys gravity, importance, or philosophical tone. Common in proverbs, speeches, and narrative writing.

Forms

何(なに) (what) + 事(こと) (matter, thing). The combination creates a weightier word than either part alone.

general
Added 2026.2.16 21:22 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
11000/11463_nanigoto