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A2 determiner 9 min read

どんな

donna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips どんな in 30 Seconds

Explanation どんな in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'donna' is introduced as a simple question word meaning 'What kind of?'. Learners are taught to use it to ask about basic preferences and descriptions. The focus is on the structure [Donna + Noun]. For example, asking about food ('Donna tabemono?'), colors ('Donna iro?'), or sports ('Donna supootsu?'). At this stage, the primary goal is for the student to understand that 'donna' must be followed by a noun and that it is used to elicit descriptive answers like 'big', 'small', 'blue', or 'delicious'. It is one of the first interrogatives students learn alongside 'nani' (what) and 'doko' (where). The emphasis is on simple curiosity and basic social interaction. Students learn that 'donna' is a polite way to open a conversation about someone's likes and dislikes. It is also taught as part of the 'ko-so-a-do' set, where 'donna' is the question counterpart to 'konna' (this kind), 'sonna' (that kind), and 'anna' (that kind over there). By the end of A1, a student should be able to ask 'What kind of [noun] do you like?' and understand the answer.

At the A2 level, the usage of 'donna' expands to describing people and places in more detail. Instead of just 'What kind of food?', learners start asking 'What kind of person is your teacher?' (Donna hito desu ka?) or 'What kind of town is your hometown?' (Donna machi desu ka?). The learner begins to understand that 'donna' is used to seek qualitative information. They also learn to distinguish 'donna' from 'dono' (which) and 'nani no' (what kind of/what's). A2 students start to use 'donna' in slightly longer sentences, such as 'Donna koto o shimashita ka?' (What kind of things did you do?). This level also introduces the concept that 'donna' can be used to ask about the content of something, like 'What kind of book is it?' (Donna hon desu ka?). The social function of 'donna' as a conversational 'softener' becomes more apparent, helping the learner sound more natural and less blunt. They also begin to see 'donna' used with 'ni' to express 'to what extent', though this is usually solidified in B1.

At the B1 level, 'donna' is used in more complex grammatical structures, specifically the 'donna ni... te mo' pattern, which means 'no matter how much' or 'no matter what kind of'. This is a significant jump from simple questions. For example, 'Donna ni takakute mo kaimasu' (No matter how expensive it is, I will buy it). The student learns that 'donna' can function as a conditional or a concessive marker. Learners also start using 'donna' to ask about abstract concepts like 'meaning' (donna imi), 'reason' (donna riyuu), or 'future' (donna mirai). The distinction between 'donna' and its formal counterpart 'dono you na' is introduced, and students are expected to use the appropriate level of formality depending on the situation. At B1, the focus shifts from just asking questions to using 'donna' as a tool for more sophisticated expression and nuance in storytelling and debate. They understand that 'donna' can represent an unspecified variety, as in 'donna koto demo' (anything/any kind of thing).

At the B2 level, 'donna' is used fluently in a wide range of contexts, including idiomatic expressions and rhetorical questions. The learner understands the subtle difference between 'donna' and 'dou iu' (what sort of/what do you mean by). They can use 'donna' to express surprise, skepticism, or to emphasize a point. For instance, 'Donna kao o shite sonna koto o iu no ka?' (With what kind of face [how dare you] say such a thing?). At this level, 'donna' is frequently found in written texts, news reports, and literature. The student is comfortable with the 'donna ni... ka' structure, used to express intense emotion or degree, such as 'Donna ni ureshikatta ka wakarimasen' (You don't know how happy I was). They also begin to recognize 'donna' in set phrases like 'donna toki mo' (at all times/no matter when). The focus at B2 is on the emotional and rhetorical weight that 'donna' can carry in a sentence, allowing for more expressive and natural-sounding Japanese.

At the C1 level, the learner masters the most subtle and literary uses of 'donna'. They can distinguish between 'donna', 'dono you na', and the highly formal 'ikanaru'. The student understands how 'donna' can be used to create a sense of universality or to pose philosophical questions. They are sensitive to the nuances of 'donna' in classical literature or highly formal speeches where it might be replaced by archaic forms. C1 learners can use 'donna' to construct complex arguments, using it to define the parameters of a discussion (e.g., 'In what kind of circumstances would this be acceptable?'). They also recognize the use of 'donna' in sarcasm or irony. The learner's use of 'donna' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, incorporating it into the rhythm and flow of natural speech without hesitation. They understand that 'donna' can sometimes be used as a placeholder when the speaker is searching for the right word, functioning almost like 'what-cha-ma-call-it' in specific contexts.

At the C2 level, 'donna' is a tool for absolute linguistic precision and creative expression. The learner can manipulate the word to suit any possible register, from the most casual slang to the most elevated academic discourse. They understand the historical etymology of the word, tracing it back to 'dono you na' and understanding its place in the evolution of the Japanese demonstrative system. C2 speakers can use 'donna' in high-level legal or technical writing where the 'nature' of a noun must be defined with extreme care. They are also able to appreciate and use 'donna' in poetry and high literature, where it can evoke a specific mood or atmosphere. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile brush in a vast artistic palette. The C2 learner can explain the psychological impact of using 'donna' versus 'nani' in a therapy session or a high-stakes negotiation, showing a deep understanding of the sociocultural implications of the word's usage.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

どんな in 30 Seconds

Donna means 'what kind of' and is used to ask for descriptions or characteristics of a person, place, or thing in Japanese.
It belongs to the ko-so-a-do system and must always be followed by a noun; it cannot stand alone like 'nani' (what).
While 'dono' asks 'which specific one', 'donna' asks for adjectives or descriptive qualities about the noun in question.
In advanced grammar, 'donna ni... te mo' means 'no matter how much', expressing resilience or a universal condition regardless of quality.

The Japanese word どんな (donna) is a fundamental interrogative determiner, categorized as a rentaishi (pre-noun adjectival). In its most basic translation, it means "what kind of" or "what sort of." However, its utility in the Japanese language extends far beyond a simple inquiry into categories. It is the "D" member of the ko-so-a-do demonstrative system, specifically the version that asks about the nature, quality, or state of a noun. Unlike dono, which asks "which" specific item among a set, donna probes for descriptions, characteristics, or specific types within a broader category.

Grammatical Category: Determiner (Pre-noun adjectival / Rentaishi)
Core Function: Inquiring about the qualities, characteristics, or nature of a noun.

When you use donna, you are essentially asking the listener to provide an adjective or a descriptive phrase in response. For example, if you ask someone, "What kind of person is he?" (どんな人ですか？), you are not asking for his name or his location; you are asking for his personality traits—is he kind, strict, funny, or quiet? This makes donna an essential tool for social bonding and information gathering in Japanese culture, where understanding the 'vibe' or 'nature' of things is often more important than identifying specific data points.

あなたはどんな音楽が好きですか？ (What kind of music do you like?)

The word is versatile enough to be used in formal, neutral, and informal settings. In formal business contexts, it might be used to inquire about the nature of a project or a client's needs. In casual settings, it is the go-to word for talking about hobbies, preferences, and experiences. Because it is a rentaishi, it must always be followed immediately by a noun. Using it in isolation is a common mistake for beginners. You cannot simply say "Donna?" to mean "What kind?" You must say "What kind of [something]?"

これはどんな意味ですか？ (What kind of meaning does this have? / What does this mean?)

In more advanced usage, donna combines with the particle mo (even/also) and a verb in the te-form to create the meaning "no matter what kind of." For instance, donna ni tabete mo means "no matter how much (of what kind of food) I eat." This conditional use is vital for expressing resilience, variety, or extreme circumstances. It transitions from a simple question word to a powerful rhetorical and grammatical tool in complex sentences.

Visualizing the Concept: Imagine a vast library. Dono would ask "Which specific book?" while Donna would ask "What genre of book?"

The syntax of どんな (donna) is remarkably consistent because it is a determiner. Its primary position is immediately before a noun. The structure is typically: [donna] + [noun] + [particle] + [verb/adjective]. Because it is an interrogative, the sentence usually ends with the question particle ka in polite speech, or with a rising intonation in casual speech.

どんな食べ物が嫌いですか？ (What kind of food do you dislike?)

One of the most important things to remember is that donna cannot be used with the particle no. Unlike nouns which require no to modify other nouns (e.g., nihon no kuruma), donna is pre-formatted to attach directly. This is a common point of confusion for students who try to say "donna no hito." The correct form is always donna hito.

Common Pattern 1: Inquiry: [Noun] wa donna [Noun] desu ka? (What kind of [Noun] is [Noun]?)
Example: 東京はどんな街ですか？ (What kind of city is Tokyo?)

Another frequent usage is the pattern どんなに (donna ni). When ni is added, it often functions as an adverb meaning "how much" or "to what extent," usually followed by an adjective or a verb expressing degree. This is often paired with ~te mo to mean "no matter how [adjective]..." For example, donna ni takakute mo means "no matter how expensive it is."

彼はどんな時でも諦めない。 (He doesn't give up, no matter what kind of time [circumstance] it is.)

In conversation, donna is often used as a softener. Instead of asking a blunt question like "Do you like sports?", asking "What kind of sports do you like?" (Donna supootsu ga suki desu ka?) is considered more engaging and polite as it opens up a broader field for the listener to respond. It demonstrates a genuine interest in the details of the other person's life rather than just seeking a binary yes/no answer. This makes it a key component of aizuchi (back-channeling) and conversational flow in Japanese.

Response Pattern: Questions with donna are usually answered with an adjective + noun, or a descriptive phrase. Q: Donna hito? A: Yasashii hito.

You will encounter どんな (donna) in almost every facet of Japanese life, from the mundane to the professional. In a retail environment, a shop assistant might ask you, "Donna mono o osagashi desu ka?" (What kind of item are you looking for?). This is a standard, polite way to begin helping a customer by narrowing down their preferences without being overly intrusive.

将来、どんな仕事をしたいですか？ (In the future, what kind of work do you want to do?)

In the world of Japanese media—anime, dramas, and variety shows—donna is a staple. Characters often use it to express wonder or disbelief. A common dramatic trope involves a character asking, "Donna kao o shite ireba ii no?" (What kind of face should I make? / How should I feel right now?), famously used in the series Neon Genesis Evangelion. It captures a sense of existential confusion about how to react to a situation.

Daily Socializing: Used at parties or mixers to find common ground: "Donna osake ga suki?" (What kind of alcohol do you like?)
Education: Teachers use it to check understanding: "Donna imi desu ka?" (What kind of meaning is it? / What does it mean?)

On news broadcasts and in journalism, donna is used to probe for the specifics of an event. A reporter might ask an eyewitness, "Donna oto ga shimashita ka?" (What kind of sound did it make?). This usage highlights the word's role in objective data collection, where the specific quality of a sensory experience is crucial for understanding the whole picture.

昨日はどんな一日でしたか？ (What kind of day was yesterday?)

Finally, in literature and song lyrics, donna is frequently used to emphasize the totality of something. Phrases like donna toki mo (no matter what time / always) or donna ni hanarete ite mo (no matter how far apart we are) are classic romantic expressions found in J-Pop. It adds a layer of "regardless of the nature of the situation," which provides a sense of unwavering commitment or universal truth.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with どんな (donna) is treating it like a standalone pronoun. In English, you can say, "What kind do you want?" In Japanese, you cannot simply say "Donna ga hoshii desu ka?" You must include a noun: "Donna mono ga hoshii desu ka?" or "Donna kuruma ga hoshii desu ka?" Because donna is a rentaishi, it is grammatically incomplete without a noun to modify.

Incorrect: どんなですか？
Correct: どんな人ですか？

Another common error is confusing donna with dono. While both are determiners that come before a noun, their meanings are distinct. Dono asks for a specific selection from a group (Which one?), whereas donna asks for a description of the type (What kind?). If you ask "Dono ringo?", you are asking which specific apple on the table. If you ask "Donna ringo?", you are asking if it is a red apple, a sweet apple, or a Fuji apple.

Mistake: Donna vs. Dono: Using donna when you mean "which specific one."
Mistake: Particle 'No': Saying "donna no [noun]." Donna already functions as a modifier.

Learners also often confuse donna ni with donna. Remember that adding ni changes the word to an adverb. While donna modifies a noun, donna ni modifies the degree of an action or state. Saying "Donna ni hito" is incorrect; it should be "Donna hito." Conversely, saying "Donna oishii desu ka?" is also incorrect; it should be "Donna ni oishii desu ka?" (How [to what extent] is it delicious?).

Lastly, there is the confusion between donna and nani no. While nani no (what's) asks for the specific identity or material of something, donna asks for the quality. "Nani no hon?" asks what the book is about (a math book, a history book). "Donna hon?" asks what the book is like (an interesting book, a long book). While they overlap, donna is much more focused on adjectives and subjective experience.

Understanding the nuances between どんな (donna) and its synonyms is crucial for reaching an intermediate level of Japanese. The most direct alternative is どういう (dou iu). Literally meaning "what kind of thing [that is] said," dou iu is often used when asking for a definition or a clarification of a concept. While donna focuses on characteristics, dou iu focuses on the essence or the explanation of the noun.

Comparison: Donna vs. Dou iu: Donna: Asks for descriptive qualities (What kind of person? - Kind, tall).
Dou iu: Asks for identity or explanation (What kind of person? - A teacher, a friend of mine).

Another similar word is どのような (dono you na). This is essentially the formal, polite version of donna. You will hear dono you na in business meetings, formal speeches, and academic writing. It carries the same meaning but sounds much more sophisticated. For example, "Dono you na go-iken desu ka?" (What kind of opinion do you have?) sounds much more professional than "Donna iken?"

それはどのような仕組みですか？ (What kind of mechanism is that? - Formal)

Then there is どの (dono). As mentioned before, the distinction is "Selection vs. Description." If you are at a car dealership and ask dono kuruma, you are pointing at a specific vehicle. If you ask donna kuruma, you are asking about the features (is it electric, is it fast?). Beginners often interchange these, but native speakers use them to signal very different intentions.

Lastly, いかなる (ikanaru) is a very formal, literary alternative often found in legal documents or high-level literature. It means "any kind of" or "whatsoever." It is rarely used in daily conversation but is important for reading comprehension. For example, "Ikanaru riyuu ga atte mo..." (No matter what the reason may be...). This provides a level of gravity and absolute coverage that donna lacks in a formal context.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'ko-so-a-do' system is incredibly logical. Once you learn 'donna', you automatically understand the structure for 'this kind' (konna), 'that kind' (sonna), and 'that kind over there' (anna).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dɒn.nə/

US /dɑn.nə/

The stress is relatively flat, as in most Japanese words, but there is a slight emphasis on the first syllable 'do'.

Rhymes With

Sonna Konna Anna Onna (Woman) Honna (Dialectal) Manna (Middle - rare) Donna (The name - in English) Gonna (English slang)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'dona' with a single 'n' sound. The double 'n' is crucial.
Stressing the final 'a' too much, making it sound like 'don-NAH'.
Confusing the pitch accent, which is typically 'Atamadaka' (High-Low).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

It is written in simple hiragana and is very easy to recognize.

Writing 1/5

Only three hiragana characters. No complex kanji involved.

Speaking 2/5

Requires remembering the double 'n' sound and the fact that it must be followed by a noun.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound in the 'ko-so-a-do' series.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

なに (Nani) - What だれ (Dare) - Who どこ (Doko) - Where ひと (Hito) - Person もの (Mono) - Thing

Learn Next

どのような (Dono you na) - Formal 'what kind of' どういう (Dou iu) - What sort of 〜ても (Te mo) - Even if / No matter 形容詞 (Adjectives) - To answer 'donna' questions どの (Dono) - Which

Advanced

いかなる (Ikanaru) - Any kind of 〜よう (You) - Appearance/Manner 様相 (Yousou) - Aspect/State 属性 (Zokusei) - Attribute 性質 (Seishitsu) - Nature/Property

Grammar to Know

Rentaishi (Pre-noun Adjectivals)

Donna, konna, sonna, anna always modify nouns directly.

The Ko-So-A-Do System

Konna (this kind), Sonna (that kind), Anna (that kind over there), Donna (what kind).

Concessive Clauses with ~te mo

Donna ni [Adjective/Verb]-te mo (No matter how...).

Interrogative + demo

Donna [Noun] demo (Any kind of [Noun]).

Indirect Questions

Donna hito ka shirimasen (I don't know what kind of person they are).

Examples by Level

どんな食べ物が好きですか？

What kind of food do you like?

Donna + Noun (tabemono) + Particle (ga) + Suki (like).

どんな音楽を聞きますか？

What kind of music do you listen to?

Donna + Noun (ongaku) + Particle (o) + Kikimasu (listen).

どんな色がいいですか？

What kind of color would be good?

Donna + Noun (iro) + Particle (ga) + Ii (good).

どんなスポーツをしますか？

What kind of sports do you play?

Donna + Noun (supootsu) + Particle (o) + Shimasu (do).

どんな果物が好きですか？

What kind of fruit do you like?

Donna + Noun (kudamono) + Particle (ga) + Suki (like).

どんな飲み物がありますか？

What kind of drinks are there?

Donna + Noun (nomimono) + Arimasu (exist).

どんな本を読みますか？

What kind of books do you read?

Donna + Noun (hon) + Particle (o) + Yomimasu (read).

どんな映画が好きですか？

What kind of movies do you like?

Donna + Noun (eiga) + Particle (ga) + Suki (like).

先生はどんな人ですか？

What kind of person is the teacher?

Donna + Noun (hito) + Desu ka (is it?). Asking about personality.

どんな仕事を探していますか？

What kind of job are you looking for?

Donna + Noun (shigoto) + Sagashite imasu (looking for).

京都はどんな街ですか？

What kind of city is Kyoto?

Donna + Noun (machi). Asking for a description of a place.

どんな料理が得意ですか？

What kind of cooking are you good at?

Donna + Noun (ryouri) + Tokui (skilled at).

どんなプレゼントが嬉しいですか？

What kind of present would make you happy?

Donna + Noun (purezento) + Ureshii (happy).

昨日はどんな一日でしたか？

What kind of day was yesterday?

Donna + Noun (ichinichi). Asking for a summary of the day.

どんな部屋に住みたいですか？

What kind of room do you want to live in?

Donna + Noun (heya) + Sumitai (want to live).

どんな服を買いましたか？

What kind of clothes did you buy?

Donna + Noun (fuku) + Kaimashita (bought).

どんなに忙しくても、朝食は食べます。

No matter how busy I am, I eat breakfast.

Donna ni + Adjective (isogashii) + te mo (no matter how).

どんな理由があっても、遅刻はだめです。

No matter what the reason, being late is not allowed.

Donna + Noun (riyuu) + ga atte mo (even if there is).

将来、どんな自分になりたいですか？

In the future, what kind of person (self) do you want to become?

Donna + Noun (jibun). Asking about personal growth.

どんなことがあっても、諦めないでください。

No matter what happens, please don't give up.

Donna + Noun (koto) + ga atte mo (no matter what kind of thing occurs).

どんな風にこの機械を使いますか？

In what way (what kind of way) do you use this machine?

Donna + Noun (fuu - way/style). Asking for a method.

どんなに頑張っても、うまくいきません。

No matter how hard I try, it doesn't go well.

Donna ni + Verb (ganbarte) + mo (no matter how much).

彼はどんな時でも優しいです。

He is kind at all times (no matter what kind of time it is).

Donna + Noun (toki) + demo (even in).

どんな意味でそれを言ったのですか？

In what sense (what kind of meaning) did you say that?

Donna + Noun (imi). Asking for clarification.

どんなに辛くても、笑顔を忘れない。

No matter how painful it is, I won't forget to smile.

Donna ni + Adjective (tsuraku) + te mo.

どんな結果になろうとも、後悔はしない。

No matter what the result may be, I will not regret it.

Donna + Noun (kekka) + ni narou tomo (formal 'no matter what').

彼はどんな困難も乗り越えてきた。

He has overcome any kind of difficulty.

Donna + Noun (konnan) + mo (any kind of...).

どんな顔をして彼女に会えばいいのか分からない。

I don't know what kind of face I should make to meet her.

Donna + Noun (kao). Idiomatic use for 'how to act/feel'.

どんな小さなことでも、感謝することが大切だ。

It is important to be grateful for even the smallest (kind of) things.

Donna + Adjective/Noun (chiisana koto) + demo.

どんなに願っても、時間は戻らない。

No matter how much you wish, time will not go back.

Donna ni + Verb (negatte) + mo.

どんな状況下でも、冷静でいなさい。

Stay calm under any kind of situation.

Donna + Noun (joukyou-ka) + demo.

それがどんなに危険か、分かっているのか？

Do you understand how dangerous that is?

Donna ni + Adjective (kiken) + ka (indirect question).

どんなに文明が進歩しても、心の闇は消えない。

No matter how much civilization advances, the darkness of the heart does not disappear.

Donna ni... te mo. Philosophical usage.

いかなる、あるいはどんな些細な変化も見逃さない。

I will not overlook any change, no matter how trivial.

Contrast between formal 'ikanaru' and 'donna'.

どんな言葉を尽くしても、私の気持ちは伝わらないだろう。

No matter what kind of words I exhaust, my feelings probably won't be conveyed.

Donna + Noun (kotoba) + o tsukushitemo (idiomatic: exhausting words).

どんなに美しい嘘も、真実には敵わない。

No matter how beautiful a lie is, it cannot rival the truth.

Donna ni + Adjective (utsukushii) + Noun (uso).

彼はどんな権力にも屈しない、強い意志を持っている。

He has a strong will that does not yield to any kind of power.

Donna + Noun (kenryoku) + ni mo (even to...).

どんなに遠く離れていても、空は繋がっている。

No matter how far apart we are, the sky is connected.

Donna ni + Adverbial distance + te mo.

この作品は、どんな時代にあっても色褪せない。

This work will not fade, no matter what kind of era it is in.

Donna + Noun (jidai) + ni atte mo.

どんなに悔やんでも、過去を変えることはできない。

No matter how much you regret it, you cannot change the past.

Donna ni + Verb (kuyande) + mo.

どんなに緻密な計画も、一抹の不安を拭い去ることはできない。

No matter how meticulous the plan, one cannot wipe away a hint of anxiety.

Advanced vocabulary (chimitsu, ichimatsu) with 'donna ni'.

それがどんなに不条理な要求であっても、受諾せざるを得ない。

No matter how absurd a demand it may be, I have no choice but to accept it.

Donna ni + Noun + de atte mo (highly formal).

どんなに深淵な知識を誇ろうとも、謙虚さを忘れてはならない。

No matter how profound the knowledge one may boast of, one must not forget humility.

Donna ni + Adjective (shinnen-na) + Verb (hokorou) + tomo.

どんなに凄惨な光景を目にしても、彼は眉一つ動かさなかった。

No matter how gruesome a scene he witnessed, he didn't even twitch an eyebrow.

Donna ni + Adjective (seisan-na).

どんなに巧妙なトリックも、論理的思考の前では無力だ。

No matter how clever the trick, it is powerless before logical thinking.

Donna ni + Adjective (koumyou-na).

どんなに崇高な理想を掲げても、実行が伴わなければ意味がない。

No matter how noble the ideals you hold up, they are meaningless without action.

Donna ni + Adjective (suukou-na) + Noun (risou).

どんなに絶望的な状況にあっても、一筋の光を見出すべきだ。

No matter what kind of desperate situation you are in, you should find a ray of light.

Donna + Adjective (zespouteki-na) + Noun (joukyou).

どんなに贅を尽くした暮らしも、心の空虚は満たせない。

No matter how much luxury one lives in, the emptiness of the heart cannot be filled.

Donna ni + Noun (zei) + o tsukushita (idiomatic: living in luxury).

Common Collocations

どんな人

どんな時

どんな意味

どんな感じ

どんな仕事

どんな理由

どんな結果

どんな状況

どんな映画

どんな場所

Common Phrases

どんなことがあっても

— No matter what happens. Used to express strong determination.

どんなことがあっても、君を守る。

どんな時も

— Always / At all times / No matter when.

どんな時も笑顔でいたい。

どんなに〜ても

— No matter how [adjective/verb].

どんなに寒くても外で遊ぶ。

どんな風に

— In what way / How.

どんな風に説明すればいい？

どんなものか

— What it is like / How it is. Often used when wondering about something.

一人暮らしがどんなものか知りたい。

どんな手を使ってでも

— By any means necessary / No matter what methods are used.

どんな手を使ってでも勝つ。

どんな顔をして

— With what kind of expression / How (dare).

どんな顔をしてそんな嘘をつくの？

どんなに頑張っても

— No matter how hard one tries.

どんなに頑張っても終わらない。

どんな事情であれ

— Whatever the circumstances may be.

どんな事情であれ、暴力は許されない。

どんなに遠くても

— No matter how far away.

どんなに遠くても会いに行く。

Often Confused With

どんな vs どの (Dono)

Dono asks 'Which one?' (selection), while Donna asks 'What kind?' (description).

どんな vs どんなに (Donna ni)

Donna ni is an adverb meaning 'how much', while Donna is a determiner modifying a noun.

どんな vs 何 (Nani)

Nani asks 'What', while Donna asks 'What kind of [Noun]'.

Idioms & Expressions

"どんな顔をすればいいかわからない"

— To not know how to react or what expression to show in a difficult situation.

宝くじに当たって、どんな顔をすればいいかわからなかった。

Neutral

"どんな風の吹き回し"

— What brought this on? / What wind blew you here? Used when someone does something unexpected.

掃除なんて、どんな風の吹き回し？

Informal

"どんなに〜か"

— Used to emphasize the degree of an emotion (How [very]...!).

どんなに心配したか分かってるの？

Neutral

"どんなことがあっても動じない"

— To remain unperturbed no matter what happens.

彼はどんなことがあっても動じない人だ。

Neutral

"どんな目にあっても"

— No matter what kind of (bad) experience one goes through.

どんな目にあっても、私は屈しない。

Neutral

"どんなにつらくても"

— No matter how painful or difficult it is.

どんなにつらくても、前を向こう。

Neutral

"どんなに願っても叶わない"

— Something that won't come true no matter how much you wish for it.

それは、どんなに願っても叶わない夢だ。

Literary

"どんなに離れていても"

— No matter how far apart people are (usually emotionally or physically).

どんなに離れていても、心は一つだ。

Romantic

"どんなに小さくても"

— No matter how small (often used for hope or steps).

どんなに小さくても、一歩は一歩だ。

Inspirational

"どんなに金があっても"

— No matter how much money one has (usually implying money isn't everything).

どんなに金があっても、健康は買えない。

Neutral

Easily Confused

どんな vs どの

Both are determiners starting with 'do'.

Dono is for choosing a specific item from a known set. Donna is for asking about the qualities or category of an item.

どの本？ (Which book [of these]?) vs どんな本？ (What kind of book?)

どんな vs どういう

Both ask 'what kind'.

Donna usually expects an adjective answer. Dou iu usually expects a definition or a noun-based explanation.

どんな人？ (What's he like? - Kind) vs どういう人？ (Who is he? - My boss)

どんな vs 何色の

Both ask about color.

Nani-iro no asks for the specific color name. Donna iro asks more broadly about the shade or 'feel' of the color.

何色の服？ (What color clothes?) vs どんな色の服？ (What kind of color clothes?)

どんな vs どのように

Sounds like 'dono you na'.

Dono you na modifies a noun (What kind of). Dono you ni modifies a verb (In what way/How).

どのように書きますか？ (How do you write it?)

どんな vs どんなに

It is the adverbial form of 'donna'.

Donna ni is followed by an adjective or verb to express degree. Donna is followed by a noun.

どんなに高い？ (How expensive?) vs どんな高い山？ (What kind of high mountain?)

Sentence Patterns

どんな [名詞] が好きですか？

どんなスポーツが好きですか？

[名詞] はどんな [名詞] ですか？

お父さんはどんな人ですか？

どんなに [形容詞] ても、[結果]。

どんなに高くても、買います。

どんな [名詞] でもいいです。

どんな料理でもいいです。

どんな [名詞] があろうと、[意志]。

どんな困難があろうと、やり遂げる。

どんなに [感情] か、[言葉]。

どんなに嬉しかったか、言葉にできません。

どんな [名詞] を尽くしても、[否定]。

どんな言葉を尽くしても、理解されない。

どんなに [高度な形容詞] とも、[戒め]。

どんなに博学であろうとも、傲慢であってはならない。

Word Family

こんな (Konna) - This kind of

そんな (Sonna) - That kind of

あんな (Anna) - That kind of (far)

どの (Dono) - Which

どう (Dou) - How

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Japanese. It is one of the top 500 most used words.

Common Mistakes

Donna no hito desu ka? → Donna hito desu ka?
'Donna' is a rentaishi and does not take the particle 'no'. It modifies the noun directly.
Donna desu ka? → Donna mono desu ka? / Donna kanji desu ka?
'Donna' cannot stand alone. It must be followed by a noun.
Using 'donna' to mean 'which specific one'. → Using 'dono'.
'Donna' asks for a description, not a selection from a group.
Donna ni hito ga imasu ka? → Dono kurai hito ga imasu ka?
'Donna ni' is for degree/extent of an adjective, not for counting people.
Donna tabemono ga suki? → Donna tabemono ga suki desu ka?
In polite speech, don't forget the 'desu ka' when using interrogatives like 'donna'.

Tips

Direct Modification

Remember that 'donna' is like a magnet for nouns. It cannot exist in a sentence without a noun to stick to. Always check for the noun!

Open-Ended Questions

Use 'donna' to keep a conversation going. Instead of asking 'Do you like sushi?', ask 'What kind of sushi do you like?'. It forces a more interesting answer.

Donna vs. Dono

If you're pointing at things, use 'dono'. If you're asking for adjectives, use 'donna'. This is the golden rule for these two words.

The Double N

Ensure you don't skip the double 'n'. The beat of the word should be 'do-n-na' (three beats/moras). Skipping the 'n' makes it sound like a different word.

Softening Questions

In Japanese culture, directness can be harsh. 'Donna' is a great 'softener' because it asks for an opinion or description rather than a hard fact.

Formal Situations

If you are writing an email to a Japanese company, swap all your 'donna's for 'dono you na's. It will immediately make you sound more professional.

Expect an Adjective

When you hear 'donna', prepare your brain to hear adjectives like 'oishii', 'kirei', or 'omoshiroi' in the response.

Rhetorical Use

Learn the phrase 'Donna kao o shite...'. It's a great way to express shock or disapproval at someone's actions.

The Donut Rule

Think: 'Donna' sounds like 'Donut'. What kind of donut? This will help you remember it means 'what kind of'.

Ko-So-A-Do System

Master the whole set (konna, sonna, anna, donna) at once. It's much easier to learn them as a family than as individual words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a bell ringing: 'Don!'. When the bell rings, you ask, 'DON-na' (What kind of) sound was that?

Visual Association

Imagine a giant question mark shaped like a donut. 'DON-na' sounds like 'donut'. What kind of donut is it?

Word Web

What kind of Description Adjective seeker Ko-So-A-Do Quality Nature Donna ni Dono you na

Challenge

Try to go through your day and ask 'Donna [noun] desu ka?' for five different objects you see. For example, 'Donna isu desu ka?' (What kind of chair is it?).

Word Origin

Derived from the contraction of 'dono you na' (どのような). The 'dono' signifies 'which' and 'you na' signifies 'like' or 'in the manner of'. Over time, this was shortened in spoken Japanese to 'donna'.

Original meaning: In the manner of which / Like what.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking 'Donna hito?' about someone's partner or family, as it can sound like you are judging them if the tone is not right. Use 'Dono you na kata?' for higher politeness.

English speakers often confuse 'What kind' with 'Which'. In English, we might say 'What kind of car do you want?' while pointing at one. In Japanese, that would be 'Dono'. 'Donna' is strictly for descriptions.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: 'Donna kao o shite ireba ii no?' Kan (Singer): 'Donna toki mo' (Famous 90s hit song) Doraemon: Often used by Nobita when asking about Doraemon's gadgets.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Self-Introductions

どんな性格ですか？
どんな趣味がありますか？
どんな仕事ですか？
どんなところに住んでいますか？

Shopping

どんな色がありますか？
どんなサイズがいいですか？
どんな素材ですか？
どんな機能がありますか？

Restaurants

どんな味ですか？
どんな料理がおすすめですか？
どんなお酒がありますか？
どんな材料を使っていますか？

Travel

どんなホテルですか？
どんな場所に行きたいですか？
どんな天気ですか？
どんなお土産がいいですか？

Learning

どんな意味ですか？
どんな時に使いますか？
どんな本で勉強していますか？
どんな言葉ですか？

Conversation Starters

"どんな映画が最近のお気に入りですか？ (What kind of movies are your favorites recently?)"

"子供の頃、どんな夢を持っていましたか？ (When you were a kid, what kind of dreams did you have?)"

"週末はいつもどんなことをして過ごしますか？ (What kind of things do you usually do on weekends?)"

"どんな音楽を聴くと元気になりますか？ (What kind of music makes you feel energetic when you listen to it?)"

"将来、どんな国に行ってみたいですか？ (What kind of country would you like to visit in the future?)"

Journal Prompts

今日はどんな一日でしたか？詳しく書いてください。 (What kind of day was today? Please write in detail.)

理想の家はどんな家ですか？部屋の様子を説明してください。 (What kind of house is your ideal house? Describe the rooms.)

あなたはどんな性格の人になりたいですか？ (What kind of personality do you want to have?)

最近、どんな本やニュースに興味を持ちましたか？ (What kind of books or news have you been interested in lately?)

大切な友達はどんな人ですか？その人の魅力を書いてください。 (What kind of person is your important friend? Write about their charm.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you cannot. 'Donna' is a rentaishi, which means it must always be followed by a noun. If you want to say 'What kind?' by itself, you should say 'Donna mono?' or 'Dou iu kanji?' depending on the context.

They mean the same thing, but 'dono you na' is much more formal. Use 'donna' in daily life and 'dono you na' in business letters, speeches, or when speaking to someone of much higher status.

You usually answer with an adjective followed by a noun, or a phrase that describes the noun. For example, if someone asks 'Donna hito?', you could say 'Yasashii hito' (A kind person).

Yes, absolutely. 'Donna hito desu ka?' is the standard way to ask what someone's personality or appearance is like.

Yes, 'donna' is a neutral, polite word. It is not rude, but in extremely formal settings, 'dono you na' is preferred.

No. You should never say 'donna no [noun]'. It is always 'donna [noun]'. This is a very common mistake for English speakers.

It means 'no matter how much...' or 'no matter what kind of...'. It's a very common pattern used to show that a result doesn't change regardless of the circumstances.

They are both interrogatives, but 'nani' (what) asks for the identity of an object, while 'donna' (what kind) asks for its description.

Not usually. For directions, you would use 'doko' (where) or 'dou yatte' (how). However, you could ask 'Donna michi desu ka?' to ask if the road is narrow, paved, etc.

'Donna' is almost always written in Hiragana. While there are historical or obscure kanji representations, they are never used in modern Japanese.