How to Ask "How?" in Japanese: Methods & Ways (Douyatte)
Hello! In the previous lesson, you learned to ask for reasons using "どうして", which added depth to your conversations.
In this lesson, you will master a more practical skill—the ability to ask about the "method of action". By using the word "どうやって" (how), you can ask about specific methods and ways, such as the route to a destination, how to use a machine, or a recipe for a dish. This skill will surely help you in your life and travels in Japan!
🎯 Lesson Goal
Learn to ask about the route to a destination and the method for performing an action using the phrase
「どうやって〜ますか？」 (Douyatte ~masu ka?)!
Step 1 Discover
Let's look at how this is used in a real conversation. Luna is asking Kaito for directions and methods.
浅草へは、どうやって行きますか？
(Asakusa e wa, douyatte ikimasu ka?)
ここから地下鉄で行きます。便利ですよ。
(Koko kara chikatetsu de ikimasu. Benri desu yo.)
この漢字はどうやって読みますか？
(Kono kanji wa douyatte yomimasu ka?)
それは「あい」と読みます。
(Sore wa "ai" to yomimasu.)
Did you notice?
Luna uses "Douyatte" combined with an action verb ("ikimasu" / "yomimasu") to find out exactlyhowsomething is done.
Step 2 The Pattern
Here is the most powerful and useful chunk for asking about methods and ways.
Basic Chunk
どうやって ますか？
(Douyatte masu ka?)
🔑 Key Point: Asking about Method / Means
"どうやって" (Douyatte) is a question word corresponding to the English "How". It is specifically used to ask about the way or method of an action.
🌟 Pro Tip: Context is everything!
If you add a place and the particle へ (e) before this chunk (e.g., 新宿駅へは...), it becomes the standard phrase for asking about transportation routes!
Step 3 Pattern Practice
Keep the chunk exactly the same, but swap the verbs to ask different questions. Read these out loud!
-
Route to Shinjuku Go (ikimasu)
新宿駅へは、どうやって 行きます か？
(Shinjuku-eki e wa, douyatte ikimasu ka?)
-
Using a machine Use (tsukaimasu)
この自動販売機は、どうやって 使います か？
(Kono jidouhanbaiki wa, douyatte tsukaimasu ka?)
-
Writing your name Write (kakimasu)
あなたの名前はどうやって 書きます か？
(Anata no namae wa douyatte kakimasu ka?)
Step 4 Make It Yours!
This is the most important step! Imagine you are trying something new in Japan. Use the cheat sheet below to form questions.
👉 どうやって ACTION ますか？
Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Action Verbs (動詞)
- 行きます ikimasu (to go)
- 作ります tsukurimasu (to make)
- 食べます tabemasu (to eat)
- 買います kaimasu (to buy)
- 読みます yomimasu (to read)
Methods (手段)
- 電車 densha (train)
- 地下鉄 chikatetsu (subway)
- バス basu (bus)
- 箸 hashi (chopsticks)
- 手 te (hand)
Bonus Go Beyond the Basics
In real life, you'll also need to decline actions (Negative) and speak casually with friends. Here’s how verbs change to level up your conversation!
🙅♀️ 1. I do NOT... (Negative)
行き ません。
(Iki-masen - I will not go.)
行か ない。
(Ika-nai - I will not go.)
🤝 2. Friendly & Casual Questions
どうやって行きますか？
(Douyatte ikimasu ka?)
どうやって行く？
(Douyatte iku? - Dictionary form + rising intonation)
Summary Lesson Review
Asking "How": Use どうやって (douyatte) combined with an action verb to ask about methods or means.
Asking for Directions: Add a place and the particle 「へ」(e) before the chunk to ask about transportation routes (e.g., Shinjuku-eki e wa...).
Casual Form: Drop "-masu ka" and use the dictionary form with a rising intonation for casual questions, like どうやって行く？.
Practice Drill
Explanation