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I came across these in Season 2 and I still have no idea when to use each one! Koichi-sensei did mention in Lesson 8 that he would explain the difference, but I couldn’t find it anywhere in that lesson or the rest of Season 2. Could someone explain the difference for me?
There’s no difference in meaning. なん is just an abbreviation that tends to get used when the next sound has the tongue positioned at the front of the mouth (such as で or じ), and なに gets used otherwise. For example, 何が = なにが, and 何ですか = なんですか.
That particular lesson page is not one I recall having seen before – perhaps he added it while intending to come back later and insert a sequel, but then forgot about it. I wouldn’t put it past him, to be honest…
I read that なに can stand alone, like just asking “What?”
On the other hand, なん cannot stand alone. You need to say something like “What is that?”
Not 100% sure about this, but I think it makes sense.
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