か is a particle that frequently comes at the end of sentences in Japanese, and carries the same meaning as a question mark in English. (It is not limited to appearing at the end of sentences, however). In addition to questions,
か can also express uncertainty about something, without strictly being a question.
-
これはコップですか。
Is this a cup? (Plain question)
-
あなたのアパートは大(おお)きいですか。
Is your apartment big? (Plain question)
-
美味(おい)しいか分(わ)からない。
I don't know if this is good or bad. (Expressing uncertainty, but not a question)
-
これは何(なに)か分(わ)からない。
I don't know what this is. (Expressing uncertainty, but not a question)
か regularly comes after the polite form of words, such as ~
ですか, ~ます
か. However, in casual conversation
か can be used directly after the word that the speaker is showing uncertainty about.
Both examples are grammatically correct, but the sentence without
です may be considered rude by some people (as it sounds too familiar/direct).