What is “Nandeyanen”? An Interesting Kansai-Dialect word you need to know!

In Japan, we have a famous dialect called “Kansai-Dialect,” which is widely popular, especially among those who are interested in the Japanese language.

I’m Ken, 23 years old, and I am from Kansai, so I naturally speak with the Kansai dialect. In this article, I’ll show you how to use “Nandeyanen” naturally. Mastering its usage can add a lot of fun to your conversations with people in Japan!

We typically use “Nandeyanen” in two common situations in our daily lives.

What exaclty Nandeyanen mean?

Before I’m going to explain how to use Nandeyanen, let me just tell you the meaning of it and some Japanese culture!

If I translate the word to English, I’d say “what’s going on?” or “no way?”. But it can’t be translated correctly because it’s related to Japanese culture.

We have a Japanese comedy culture which is called “Owarai”. It has the concept of “Boke” and “Tsukkomi”. Boke means saying or doing something wrong deliberately to make yourself a funny guy. Tsukkomi means correcting their mistakes to make them fun. At that moment, Japanese people are laughing. Therefore, there is a concept that Nandeyanen is known as a funny and popular word.

What is Owarai?

Owarai consists of Boke and Tsukkomi in Kansai culture. It’s really important to master Nandeyanen.

This video teachs you the what is “Boke” and “Tsukkomi”.

p.s. They are one of the most famous comedian in Japan

1. When someone makes a joke or mistake.

As I said in the last paragraph, we say Nandeyanen to correct someone’s joke or mistake.

Let me give you an example of it.

Talking to your friend

A

Hey, I actually got a girlfriend finally.

B

Congratulations!! How’s it going so far! How have you guys been doing?

A

Noting. I can’t ask her out because I’m too shy….

B

Nandeyanen!! You guys are already dating! What’s stopping you? Should have confident

(It could be also transrated to “come on!”.)


We don’t use Nandeyanen seriously. It’s used in the funny situation.

Do you want examples more?

If you want to see more examples, just get in touch with me

2. When something doesn’t work right.

Nandeyanen can also be used when you want to complain about something.

For example, I want you to imagine you are working on a computer. If your PC has an error, you are sure to be stressed. In such a case, you can say to your computer, “What the hell?” 

This is not the situation where someone is making a joke, but you can assume that the computer has acted incorrectly. Therefore, “Nandeyanen” can be used.

浜田ばみゅばみゅ – なんでやねんねん [full ver.]

It’s off the topic, but I really recommend this song, “Nandeyanennen”. Should be laughing haha

この記事を書いた人

japanese-ohayou

Name: Ken
Age: 23
English: Intermediate(TOEIC855)
Japanese: Native
Experience: Work at a SEO company, used to live in Australia, Kansai accent Teacher.