pronoun

  1. what. Used when asking about or referring to multiple unspecified things.
  2. so-and-so, such and such, something (or other). Used when listing things that are unknown or do not need to be specified.

interjection

  1. what?, wait, hang on. Used when asking for confirmation upon hearing something surprising.
  2. well, well, let's see. Used when about to read a letter or document.
  3. no, oh (not at all), please, there, there. Used to dismiss someone's words or concerns.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
何々 なになに
何何 なになに

Contained Kanji Breakdown

what
なに なん カ (2nd, N5)
human radical (no. 9)
can, passable, approval
カ コク -べ.き (5th)
street, ward, town
チョウ テイ チン (3rd, N1)
mouth
くち コウ ク (1st, N4)
repeated kanji symbol