Japanese phrase
___には何と書いてありますか？ ___ ni wa nan to ka i te a ri ma su ka
Meaning
What does ___ say?
When to use it
Asks what is written on something. This polite question is used when written words are difficult to read or understand.
Example dialogue
すみません、この看板には何と書いてありますか？ su mi ma se n ko no kan ban ni wa nan to ka i te a ri ma su ka
Excuse me, what does this sign say?
本日は休みと書いてあります。 hon jitsu wa yasu mi to ka i te a ri ma su
It says, "Closed today."