なにやら
Something (or other), Some kind of
Structure
Explanation
何やら is an adverb used when you are not quite sure what something is, or why an event is taking place. While it functions as a single word, similar to どうやら, it is formed from the question word 何 and the particle やら, which adds a nuance of uncertainty or speculation.
Depending on the situation, 何やら can be translated into English as 'for some reason', 'some kind of', or simply 'something'.
- 隣の部屋から何やら変な音がする。There's some kind of strange noise coming from the next room.
- 机の上に何やら怪しい液体がこぼれている。There's some kind of suspicious liquid spilled on the desk.
- 彼は何やらいつもと様子が違う。For some reason, he seems different than usual.
- 宿題やら何やらで、週末はとても忙しかった。Between homework and what not, I was very busy over the weekend.
While both 何か and 何やら can mean 'something', they are not used in the same way. 何か is a general word for an unspecified item or matter. In contrast, 何やら is only used when the speaker feels a sense of uncertainty or mystery about the thing in question.
- 昨日の夜、公園で何やら騒ぎがあったようだ。It seems like there was some kind of commotion in the park last night. (Natural Japanese)
- ペンか何やら貸してください。Please lend me a pen or something. (Unnatural Japanese)
Fun Fact
Although less frequent than 何やら or どうやら, the particle やら can also be attached to other question words, such as どこ (where) or いつ (when), to convey a similar sense of ambiguity.
- 何やら彼女は困っているらしい。It seems like she's troubled about something or other.
- どうやら、彼は道に迷ったみたいだ。Apparently, he's gotten lost.
- 彼はどこやらへ行ってしまった。He went off somewhere or other.
- 次に会えるのはいつやら…Who knows when we'll be able to meet again…
Examples
台所から何やら物音が聞こえる。
I hear some kind of strange noise coming from the kitchen.
姉は、何やら嬉しそうに鼻歌を歌っている。
For some reason, my older sister is humming happily.
カバンの中に何やら見覚えのない物が入っていた。
There was something or other I didn't recognize in my bag.
今朝から、部長は何やら機嫌が悪いようだ。
For some reason, the department head seems to be in a bad mood since this morning.
彼は机に向かって、何やら熱心に書いている。
He's facing his desk, intently writing something or other.
この部屋、何やら焦げ臭いにおいがしない？
For some reason, doesn't this room smell like something's burning?
何やら嫌な予感がして、家を出るのをやめた。
For some reason, I had a bad feeling, so I decided not to leave the house.
子供たちが集まって、何やらひそひそ話をしている。
The children are gathered together, whispering about something or other.
いつもと違って、街は何やら静かだ。
For some reason, the town is quiet, unlike how it usually is.
パソコンの調子が、何やらおかしい。
For some reason, my computer is acting strange.
隣の人が、何やら大きな箱を運んでいた。
My neighbor was carrying some kind of big box.
その昔話には、何やら不気味な雰囲気があった。
That old folk tale had some kind of eerie atmosphere to it.
会社の方針が、何やら変わるという噂を聞いた。
I heard a rumor that, for some reason, the company's policy is going to change.
うちの猫が、何やら一点をじっと見つめている。
For some reason, my cat is just staring intently at one spot.
このスープは、何やら複雑で奥深い味がする。
This soup has some kind of complex and deep flavor.