これは何ですか What is this?

Tam from Vietnam has come to the basement deli of a department store, called a "depa-chika." She's accompanied by her housemate Kaito and his American friend Mike.

#9
Scripts
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ここが「デパ地下」だよ。
Koko ga depa-chika da yo.
This is the the department store's basement deli.
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いろんな食べ物があって、いいよね。
Ironna tabemono ga atte, ii yo ne.
They have all kinds of food. It's great.
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Japanese news
わあ、すごい。
Waa, sugoi.
Wow, this is amazing.
Japanese news
これは何ですか。
Kore wa nan desu ka.
What is this?
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大根の漬物だよ。
Daikon no tsukemono da yo.
A pickled daikon radish.
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食べてみる?
Tabete miru?
Do you want to try it?
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いただきます。
Itadakimasu.
Yes, thank you.
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おいしいです。
Oishii desu.
It's good.
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これも食べてみる?
Kore mo tabete miru?
Do you want to try this one too?
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Vocabulary (15)
Basic phrase
Japanese news
Asking the names of things you don't know
これは何ですか。
Kore wa nan desu ka.
What is this?
Japanese news

To ask the name of something you don't know, point to the thing and ask "Kore/Sore/Are wa nan desu ka." For something close to you, use "kore." For something close to the person you're talking to, use "sore." If the thing is far from you and the person you're speaking to, use "are." "Nan" is an interrogative meaning "what." "Nan/Nani" (What): The "nan" in "nan desu ka" or "what is" has the same meaning as the "nani" in "nani o shimasu ka" or "what will you do?" However, it's pronounced "nan" when it comes before "desu ka."

Use It!
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すみません。これは何ですか。
Sumimasen. Kore wa nan desu ka.
Excuse me. What is this?
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お茶です。
Ocha desu.
It’s tea.
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Try It Out!
1
Which of these three choices is the correct way to say this sentence in Japanese?
What is that?
What is that?
Japanese news
1. Sore wa nan desu ka. (Kore? Taiyaki desu.)
2. Kore wa nan desu ka. (Kore? Taiyaki desu.)
3. Dore wa nan desu ka. (Kore? Taiyaki desu.)
2
Say the sentence in Japanese, using the following word(s).
What is this/that/that over there? これ/それ/あれ は何ですか。 Kore/Sore/Are wa nan desu ka.
What is this/that/that over there? これ/それ/あれ は何ですか。 Kore/Sore/Are wa nan desu ka.
Japanese news
Show answer あれは何ですか。(あれはたこ焼きです。)
3
Say the sentence in Japanese, using the following word(s).
What is this/that/that over there? これ/それ/あれ は何ですか。 Kore/Sore/Are wa nan desu ka.
What is this/that/that over there? これ/それ/あれ は何ですか。 Kore/Sore/Are wa nan desu ka.
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Show answer これは何ですか。(それは箸置きです。)

Bonus phrase
おいしいです。
Oishii desu.
It’s delicious.

Someone who treats you will be happy if you use this phrase. You can also simply say "Oishii!"


Culture
Japanese news
Kaito Is Your Food Guide!
"Depa-chika": Treasure Troves of Food

"Depa-chika," department store basement delis, sell a wide variety of food including ready-made dishes, bento box lunches, desserts, and bread. Sometimes, free samples are available. "Depa-chika" are convenient because you can buy your favorite dishes and then eat them at home or in your hotel room.

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