どんな〜
what kind of ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “どんな〜” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「どんな〜」 means "what kind of ~". Structure: どんな + Noun. This is a JLPT N5 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1どんな水が好きですか。
どんなみずがすきですか。
donnamizugasukidesuka.
What kind of water do you like?
Everyday life
Example 2どんなかばんが好きですか。
どんなかばんがすきですか。
donnakabangasukidesuka.
What kind of bag do you like?
Everyday life
Example 3どんな時計が好きですか。
どんなとけいがすきですか。
donnatokeigasukidesuka.
What kind of clock do you like?
Everyday life
Example 4どんなご飯が好きですか。
どんなごはんがすきですか。
donnagohangasukidesuka.
What kind of rice do you like?
Everyday life
Example 5どんな野菜が好きですか。
どんなやさいがすきですか。
donnayasaigasukidesuka.
What kind of vegetables do you like?
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
What kind of water do you like?
The answer is hidden. Try to use どんな〜.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.