What does nani mean? If you have crossed paths with the slang term nani and are wondering about it, then you have reached your final destination. This page will tell you everything you wanted to know about the phrase including its meaning and information regarding its origin.
It will also tell you about some optional meanings for the term if there are any and provide you with some example conversations so you can further understand the term by seeing it used in context. Lastly, the information will supply you with some alternative words and phrases that you can use in place of the term nani to convey the same meaning in a conversation.
Table of Contents
- Nani Meaning
- What Does Nani Mean?
- Example Conversations
- Alternatives to Nani
- What Does Nani Mean | Infographic
Nani Meaning
What Does Nani Mean?
The term nani is the Japanese word for what.
It is most often used by fans of anime/manga and by people who would be considered weebs. Weebs are defined as people who are huge fans of the Japanese culture, even going so far as to say that it is superior to their own.
Where Does this Slang Term Come from?
The Japanese word nani has always been translated to mean what. However, it became popular in western culture with those who are considered weebs when an anime titledFist of the North Starpremiered. This occurred in the year 1983. In the anime, the main character Kenshiro would say the phrase omae wa mou shindeiru, which translates in English to you are already dead.
When he would say this to a character in the anime series, the character would reply with nani as if they hadnotheard him quite clearly and then he would dispatch them. The phrase grew in popularity from this point and is still used by fans of anime today in memes and other online media.
Other Meanings
The term nani is Hawaiian means beautiful. It is a popular Hawaiian name for girls. The term nani also translates to the word grandmother in Hindu. Nani is also said to be a shortened term of the slang word poonani, which means vagina. Finally, the term nani is said to be an Inuit word used by Eskimos in Canada and translates to the word where in English.
Example Conversations
A text discussion between two friends who are both huge fans of anime.
- Friend 1: Omae wa mou shindeiru!
- Friend 2: NANI!
- Friend 2: *falls on the floor dead*
- Friend 1: LOL!
An online discussion by users on an anime forum.
- User 1: Does your milkshake bring all the boys to the yard?
- User 2: Nani?
- User 1: Lol! Do you have nice boobs?
Alternatives to Nani
There are very few alternative words or phrases that you can use in place of the term nani. Some of the alternatives you could use include:
- what?
- run that by me again?
- say that again?