How do I ask what something is or how to say something in Japanese?
How do I ask what something is or how to say something in Japanese? I feel like these basic things are vital if I'm going to start speaking. Usually I get stuck speaking when I can't remember/don't know a word, and then the conversation dies. There are many different ways to ask, but I was wondering what the more casual ways to ask are.

Question

Answer

How do you say (something) in Japanese? --> (Something)は日本語でなんと (or なんて)言いますか。

I want to say (sentence / phrase), how can I say it in Japanese? 
--> 私は(sentence / phrase)と言いたいです。日本語でどう言えばいいですか。

If I undertood wrong your question for my English, please let me know. I hope this was helpful.