なんと

See also: なんど

Japanese

Proper noun

なんと • (Nanto) 

1. 南都: alternate name for Heijōkyō, the capital of Japan during the Nara period. Nanto ("southern capital") is used in contrast with Hokuto ("Northern capital"), an alternate name for Heiankyō.

Adverb

なんと • (nanto) 

1. how; what; in what way
2. Used to intensify an adjective. Carries connotations of surprise or being emotionally moved: what a…; how … it is

   なんときれいな月(つき)だろう。

   Nanto kirei na tsuki darō.

   The moon is gorgeous tonight, isn't it?

3. surprisingly, to my surprise, you’ll be surprised

   注(ちゅう)文(もん)しようとしたらなんと売(う)り切(き)れ！

   Chūmon shiyō to shitara nanto urikire!

   I tried to order it, but it turned out to be sold out!

Synonyms

• なんて (nante) (intensifier)

Interjection

なんと • (nanto) 

1. An interjection conveying surprise or being emotionally moved.