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    何を言っているのかピンとこない (nani o itte iru no ka pin to konai - I don't get what they're saying)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    neutral to casual

    How it works

    This expression uses the interrogative 何 (nani) followed by the direct object particle を (o). 言っている (itte iru) is the progressive form of 言う (iu - to say). のか (no ka) indicates an embedded question. ピンとこない (pin to konai) is the negative form of ピンとくる (pin to kuru), meaning 'to click' or 'to get it'. The phrase literally means 'what they are saying doesn't click for me'.

    Sample sentences

    専門用語が多くて、何を言っているのかピンとこなかった。

    There were too many technical terms, so I couldn't grasp what they were saying.

    彼女の冗談はいつも難解で、何を言っているのかピンとこない。

    Her jokes are always obscure, so I never get what she's saying.

    その説明は抽象的すぎて、何を言っているのかピンとこないよ。

    That explanation is too abstract; I don't get what you're saying.

    Quick facts

    nuance:This phrase expresses a lack of understanding or difficulty in grasping the meaning or intent of someone's words. It can imply confusion or that the information is not clear or logical enough to make sense.
    components:ピンと (pin to) is an onomatopoeic/mimetic adverb representing the sudden 'click' of understanding.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    専門用語が多くて、何を言っているのかピンとこなかった。

    There were too many technical terms, so I couldn't grasp what they were saying.

    彼女の冗談はいつも難解で、何を言っているのかピンとこない。

    Her jokes are always obscure, so I never get what she's saying.

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