Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 1: 9/24

なにやらSomething (or other), Some kind of

Structure

(なに)やら + Phrase

Details

  • Adverb

  • Standard

About なにやら

(なに)やら is an adverb which expresses uncertainty about what exactly something is or why something is happening. Similar to どうやら, although it is often treated as a single word, (なに)やら is composed of the question word (なに) and the particle やら which denotes uncertainty and self-questioning.

(なに)やら is often translated as 'something or other', 'some kind of', or 'for some reason' depending on the context.

Although (なに)か and (なに)やら can both be translated as 'something', they are not interchangeable. 何か can be used for general statements, but (なに)やら is only used when the speaker is unsure of what the thing in question is.

Fun Fact

Although it is less common than (なに)やら or どうやら, やら is also sometimes attached to other question words like どこ or いつ to indicate that the speaker is uncertain about something.

Examples

--:--

  • あの(ひと)(なに)やら(こま)っているようです。

    That person seems to be bothered by something or other.

    • 彼女(かのじょ)のまなざしには、(なに)やら言葉(ことば)にならない(おも)いが(かく)されていた。

      In her gaze, some kind of ineffable sentiment had been concealed.

      • (なに)やら社長(しゃちょう)(かく)()がいたらしく、その(うわさ)がオフィスの他社(たしゃ)にも(ひろ)まっているよ。

        I heard like the boss might have a secret kid or something... The rumor's even spreading to other companies.

      • (そと)(なに)やらにぎやかですね。

        For some reason, it’s lively outside, isn’t it?

      • (なに)やら今週(こんしゅう)会議(かいぎ)は、空気(くうき)(おも)かったよね。

        For some reason, the atmosphere at this week’s meeting was a bit heavy, don’t you think?

        • Get more example sentences!

          Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.

        Self-Study Sentences

        Study your own way!

        Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.

        • Online

            There are no Online resources listed for 「なにやら」.

            You can . Resources are constantly updated, come back later to see new additions!


          • Offline

              There are no Offline resources listed for 「なにやら」.

              You can . Resources are constantly updated, come back later to see new additions!

            • Track Resources!

              Bunpro tracks all of the resources you’ve visited, and offers relevant bookmarks of physical books to help with offline tracking.

            なにやら – Grammar Discussion

            There's currently no discussion for なにやら

            Start it to ask questions and learn together with other Bunpro users!

            Start Discussion