informal 10K+

Don't know what you call that

🇬🇧 UK //dəʊnt nəʊ wɒt jʊ kɔːl ðæt// 🇺🇸 US //doʊnt noʊ wɑt jʊ kɔl ðæt//

Meaning of Don't know what you call that

You express uncertainty about the name of something.

In simple words: You are unsure of the name of something.

Don't know what you call that in a sentence

• I saw a gadget in the shop, but I don't know what you call that.
• When I saw that plant, I thought, 'I don't know what you call that.'
• During the meeting, he mentioned a term, and I just said, 'I don't know what you call that.'
• She pointed at the sculpture and asked, 'What do you call that?' to which I replied, 'I don't know what you call that.'
• In the discussion about art, someone brought up a technique, and I admitted, 'I don't know what you call that.'

How to use Don't know what you call that

This phrase is casual and often used in conversations when you can't remember a specific term. It's not suitable for formal writing or discussions.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Imagine seeing a mysterious object and saying, 'I don't know what you call that!'

Related words

Collocations with Don't know what you call that

• call that something
• what you call that
• don't know the name
• not sure what to call
• I can't remember what you call

Synonyms for Don't know what you call that

• What's that called?
• I can't remember the name.
• What's the term for that?
• I'm not sure what to call it.

Common mistakes with Don't know what you call that

• Omitting 'that' at the end of the phrase, making it sound incomplete.
• Using it in formal situations where a more precise term is expected.
• Confusing with similar phrases like 'I don't know' without specifying.
• Not using appropriate intonation, leading to misunderstandings.

Frequently asked questions about Don't know what you call that

What does Don't know what you call that mean?

You are unsure of the name of something.

What is the definition of Don't know what you call that?

You express uncertainty about the name of something.

How do you use Don't know what you call that in a sentence?

I saw a gadget in the shop, but I don't know what you call that.

Can you give another example of Don't know what you call that?

When I saw that plant, I thought, 'I don't know what you call that.'

What are synonyms for Don't know what you call that?

Common alternatives include What's that called?, I can't remember the name., What's the term for that?, I'm not sure what to call it..

What words go with Don't know what you call that?

It commonly pairs with call that something, what you call that, don't know the name, not sure what to call, I can't remember what you call.

What are common mistakes when using Don't know what you call that?

Omitting 'that' at the end of the phrase, making it sound incomplete. Using it in formal situations where a more precise term is expected. Confusing with similar phrases like 'I don't know' without specifying. Not using appropriate intonation, leading to misunderstandings.

How do you pronounce Don't know what you call that?

US: //doʊnt noʊ wɑt jʊ kɔl ðæt//, UK: //dəʊnt nəʊ wɒt jʊ kɔːl ðæt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Don't know what you call that formal or informal?

"Don't know what you call that" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Don't know what you call that?

This phrase is casual and often used in conversations when you can't remember a specific term. It's not suitable for formal writing or discussions.