No, seriously. Into what does the Japanese phrase ナンデヤネン (nandeyanen) really translate?

Question

Sure it's comedic in manga and anime, but is it socially acceptable to say it?

Answer 1

Favorite Answer

it's more or less "why is that?" or "you've got to be kidding" (functionally, not literally). in japanese comedy duos, it would be what the tsukkomi (straight man) says in response to the boke's (funny man) outrageous claim. so think something like burt and ernie where the comedy comes from burt's reactions to ernie's silliness.

now usually you would only use this word if you were in a comedy routine, unless you're in osaka. people in osaka like to joke around so they may say something outrageous like "your total is 7 million yen" to which you would respond "nandeyanen??"

so while it is socially acceptable to say, you likely aren't going to be saying it very often unless you're in osaka and the locals like joking around with you.

Answer 2

It means " why the hell?"

used mostly in the Kansai part of Japan.

Answer 3

It translates to:

"Nandeyan” Which means “why,”