It is essential to learn Japanese vocabulary when studying the language. In addition to words borrowed from other languages, Japanese vocabulary is vast and diverse. Learning basic words and phrases, as well as specialized terminology and idiomatic expressions, is essential for effective communication in Japanese.
Japanese Vocabulary: どう
Meaning:
どう (dō) is a versatile Japanese word that can be used as an adverb, an adjective, or an interjection.
As an adverb, どう (dō) means “how” or “in what way.” It can be used to ask about someone’s state or condition or about how something is done.
For example:
- どうしていますか？ (dō shite imasu ka?) – “How are you?”
- どうやってここに来ましたか？ (dō yatte koko ni kimashita ka?) – “How did you get here?”
As an adjective, どう (dō) means “how” or “what.” It can be used to describe someone’s feelings or the state of something. For example:
- 彼はどうですか？ (kare wa dō desu ka?) – “How is he?”
- この料理はどうですか？ (kono ryōri wa dō desu ka?) – “How is this dish?”
As an interjection, どう (dō) can be used to express surprise, gratitude, or politeness. For example:
- どうもありがとうございます！ (dōmo arigatō gozaimasu!) – “Thank you very much!”
- どういたしまして！ (dō itashimashite!) – “You’re welcome!”
- どうしますか？ (dō shimasu ka?) – “What shall we do?”
どう (dō) is a Japanese word that can be translated as “how,” “in what way,” “what,” or used as an interjection to express surprise, gratitude, or politeness. It can be used as an adverb, an adjective, or an interjection depending on the context in which it is used.