question about common japanese phrases?

Question

I have a roommate who is very interested in Japanese, and knows many phrases. I too am interested in foreign languages. I speak 3 languages fluently, so I believe I am a pretty adept in learning languages

My roommate uses the word "nani" for what, whenever we would say what in english to have a person clarify what they just said, or if asking why a person is calling her. however, I don't know if that word is the one you would use just because it means what in japanese as it is not true for all languages. I wonder if use the word "nani" is appropriate in these cases?

another thing I wanted to know. I read online that the word "baka" can be extremely rude is used frequently, even though it can be used with friends, as it can mean anything from "silly" to "idiot" in context . She uses it at least once a day, but it's always in a lighthearted way, in the way you'd call a friend silly, but I wonder if that is appropriate to use it so frequently.

thanks.

I'll clarify.

if a person called your name, would you necessarily use the word "nani" in japanese.

you didn't hear what a person said, would you necessarily use the word "nani" in japanese in the way we use the word "what"?

and what I mean about baka, is that I am fine with what is said in the house, but given that my roommate is trying to learn a practical japanese that can be used amoung japanese people, would the frequent use of that word be appropriate for a language she isn't fluent in yet?

Answer 1

It's fine, but there are politer ways of saying "what". Japanese isn't like English and some people can take offense to getting a "Nani" (especially a particularly whining-sounding one).

I've never seen baka carry any strong pretenses and the only people who can't blow it off are the same people that would tattle when a sibling would call them "stupid head".

It's kind of childish to use either so frequently, though, especially if she doesn't really understand the language she's speaking. (Let me guess, anime fanatic/japanophile?)
I use "Baka" *maybe* one a week and only when I'm frustrated but not overly upset over something. When someone calls for me, I'm more prone to say something more polite (e.g. "Hai?") because nani, in my mind just seems to carry a "What is it you want?" feeling for that situation.

Edit: If a person called my name, I would not use "nani" unless that person and I were absolute best buds and have been since the first grade and can say anything without starting a fight with that person. (I.e.: No, I wouldn't.)
If I didn't hear what a person said, I would probably elaborate more politely with "nan to itta?" (What did you say?)

No, the frequent use of "baka" wouldn't be appropriate. Japanese is a very *specific* language and there are certain words you use for certain situations. To throw around "baka" (or nani or whatever) wherever one pleases would be reminiscent of grade schoolers here saying everything is "gay".
"I hate this show, it's so gay."
"We have homework? That's gay."
"Reading books is gay."
"Dude, that was totally gay of you."
(etc. and so forth.)

There are much better, more intelligent, more *polite* (for Japanese, at least, which depends on varying levels of politeness in its speakers to get by in life properly) to react to those certain things.

Answer 2

Not sure about the first question. I couldn't really understand what you were asking. As far as the use of the word baka, anything can be appropriate in the right circumstances. My friend and I use derogatory slurs when we call each other all the time because we think it's funny. However I certainly wouldn't use derogatory slurs when I talk to a priest. It's all about pragmatics. Language is also ever changing. What might not be appropriate today may be appropriate tomorrow.

Answer 3

It depends on the situation and generation.
I assume you're young and are asking about conversation among friends.

Japanese often say "nani?", when someone calls them.

They sometimes would say "nani?", when they didn't hear you. But it's a bit vague whether they mean to say "I didn't hear you" or "what do you mean by it?". Then it's common to say "nante itta?", which is literally translated as "what did you say?", in the situation.

She can say "baka" if she really does't mean it and is saying it laughing. I think it's almost the same as English although I don't speak English fluently. Actually school girls often say "baka". It would maybe be ok to say it even if she isn't fluent in Japanese.