meanings of "nanu"
ind.
[originally a combination of na and nu, now used as a separate word]
1.a particle implying inquiry or interrogation;
2.surely (with an interrogative force);
3.of course;
4.it is used in propitiatory expressions in the sense of 'pray', 'be pleased';
6.it is sometimes used as a corrective word like the English 'why' or 'I say';
7.in argumentative discussions nanu is frequently used to head an objection or advance a contrary proposition (generally followed by ucyate)
#26607