なんていう
to say something like, to refer to
This expression is used to refer to something in a casual, often dismissive way, indicating that what you're talking about is not a serious concern.
Meaning
This expression is used to refer to something in a casual, often dismissive way, indicating that what you're talking about is not a serious concern.
Formation
Explanation
なんていう is a colloquial expression used in Japanese to refer to something in a nonchalant or dismissive manner. It translates to phrases like 'what do you call...' or 'something like...'. This expression is often used to express uncertainty or to downplay the significance of what is being discussed.
It can appear in both spoken and informal written contexts. The nuance of なんていう can vary; sometimes it reflects a sense of casualness about the subject, while at other times it may imply that the speaker is unable to remember or is trying to be modest about naming something.
When using なんていう, it's common to attach it to either nouns or verbs. With nouns, it signifies that what follows is an example or may not be too important. In spoken conversations, this phrase often serves as a filler to engage or continue dialogue without being too formal.