1.
what's this?, what is this?
A casual exclamation of surprise, curiosity, or confusion upon encountering something unexpected. Can be a genuine question or a rhetorical expression of bewilderment.
なにこれ、面白い。
What's this? It's interesting.
なにこれ is a casual contraction of これはなに (what is this), with inverted word order and dropped particles. The inverted order (question word first) adds emotional emphasis — surprise, confusion, or delight.
Tone variations
- なにこれ (flat): curious, examining something
- なにこれ！ (sharp): startled, alarmed
- なにこれ〜 (drawn out): amused, delighted
- なにこれ... (trailing): confused, slightly disgusted
Forms
- なにこれ: standard casual
- なんだこれ: masculine, stronger surprise
- これなに？: calmer, straightforward question
- これは何ですか: polite equivalent
Usage
なにこれ is extremely common in everyday conversation and is one of the first natural reactions to encountering something unfamiliar. It is also widely used as a social media or texting reaction.