何も

• Reading: なにも
• Romaji: nanimo
• Kanji breakdown: 何 (ka/nani) — what
• Pronunciation: /na.ni.mo/

Meaning

Nothing (with negative verb); not anything at all.

An expression used with negative verbs to mean 'nothing' or 'not anything.' Always requires a negative predicate: 何もない (nanimo nai, there is nothing), 何も食べなかった (nanimo tabenakatta, did not eat anything). The emphasis particle も (mo) strengthens the negation. Contrasts with 何か (nanika, something) in affirmative sentences.

Examples

1. 冷蔵庫の中には何もなかった。 There was nothing in the fridge.
2. 疲れすぎて何もする気になれない。 I'm too tired to feel like doing anything.
3. 彼は何も言わずに部屋を出て行った。 He left the room without saying anything.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, emotions, conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 何 (nani, what) and も (mo, emphasis/even particle). With negation, も emphasises totality — 'not even anything.'

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal