Grammar - Grade 3 List View

Review these list items to study and edit your keyphrase and other memory aids.
Grammar Point
adverb (fukushi)
adv 
noun or verb acting prenominally
adj-f 
word usually written using kana alone
uk 
A Keyphrase should be a short phrase that brings to mind and helps to remember the information on this frame.
なんて(1)

how ...!, what ...!

なんて + Verb of Communication

In this construction, なんて is used as an interrogative word meaning 'what' or 'how'. It is a colloquial version of なんと and is used specifically with verbs related to communication, such as saying, asking, or writing.

Verb

Place なんて directly before a communication verb.

What did you write on the blackboard?

What did he answer?

Note

This grammar is strictly a casual, spoken equivalent to 何と. It cannot be used with non-communication verbs; for example, you cannot use it to ask 'what will you eat'.

なんていう + Noun

This formation is used to ask for the name or title of a person, place, or thing. It translates to 'what is the name of' or 'what is called'.

Noun

Place なんていう directly before the noun being inquired about.

What is the name of this flower?

What is the name of the company you work for?

Note

なんていう is a spoken contraction of 何という. It is used to ask about specific names or titles rather than inquiring about the general nature of an object.

なんて + Adjective / Noun + んだろう

This formation is used to make an exclamation expressing strong emotion, such as admiration or surprise. It translates to 'How ~!' or 'What a ~!'. It is the spoken equivalent of なんと ~ んだろう.

い-Adjective

Place なんて before an informal い-Adjective, followed by んだろう.

How hot it is!

How delicious this cake is!

な-Adjective

Place なんて before a な-Adjective stem, attach な, and follow with んだろう.

How quiet it is!

How convenient this town is!

Noun

Place なんて before a Noun, attach な, and follow with んだろう.

What a genius!

What a good song!

Note

Using んだろう adds emotional emphasis and completes the exclamation. While speakers might occasionally drop it in casual speech and stop at the adjective or noun, including it clarifies the exclamatory nature of the sentence.

Words: 
何てなんて
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