Kono doubutsu wa nandemo tabemasu
“nandemo”, “daredemo”, “dokodemo”
After learning about “something” and “nothing,” you can explore expressions for “any…” in Japanese. These include “nandemo”, “daredemo”, “dokodemo”, and “docchidemo”. These terms are typically used in affirmative sentences to convey inclusivity or availability in various contexts.
Nanika arimasuka? → ？ (Is there something?)
Nanimo arimasen. → ☓ (There is nothing.)
Nandemo arimasu. → ABC… (There is everything.)
Nanika nomu? (Nanika nomimasuka?) → ？ (Do you drink something?)
Nanimo nomanai. (Nanimo nomimasen.) → ☓ (I drink nothing.)
Nandemo nomu. (Nandemo nomimasu.) → ABC… (I drink anything.)
Dareka nihongo ga dekimasuka? (Does anyone speak Japanese?)
Daremo dekimasen. (Nobody can speak.)
Daredemo dekimasu. (Everyone can speak.)
Nanika shitte imasuka? (Do you know something?)
Nanimo shirimasen. (I don’t know anything.)
Nandemo shitte imasu. (I know everything.)
Dareka kare o shitte iru? (Does anyone know him?)
Daremo shiranai. (No one knows him.)
Daredemo shitte iru. (Everyone knows.)
“…ka”:
- This suffix is used when the situation is not clear or is uncertain.
- For example, “nanika” means “something,” indicating an unspecified object.
- “dareka” means “someone,” indicating an unspecified person.
“…mo…masen/nai”:
- This combination is used to indicate a complete negation or absence of a condition.
- For example, “nanimo…masen” means “nothing,” as in “I don’t eat anything.”
- “daremo…nai” means “nobody,” as in “Nobody knows.”
“…demo”:
- This suffix is used to indicate that something clearly exists but is not specifically identified. It conveys a sense of general availability or inclusiveness.
- For example, “nandemo” means “anything,” indicating that any object is acceptable.
- “daredemo” means “anyone,” indicating that any person is acceptable.
Expressions
Satou:
Ashita dokoka ikimasenka?
Justin:
Iidesune. Dokodemo iidesu.