What it means
何 asks for the identity, type, or information about something and means “what.” It is commonly used as a question word before a copula, as in asking what an object is. The reading is usually なに, but なん is common before some sounds, especially です, counters, and certain particles.
Usage note
何 can be read as なに or なん, and the choice depends on the following sound and expression. In a direct question, 何ですか is the standard polite form, while 何だ is familiar and can sound blunt; これは何ですか is safer when speaking politely.
How to use it
Question wordですか
これは何ですか。
What is this?
Question wordだ
これは何だ。
What is this?
Example sentences
駅の前にある大きな建物は何ですか。
What is the large building in front of the station?
この赤い果物は何ですか。
What is this red fruit?
あの白い機械は何ですか。
What is that white machine?
その丸い道具は何