Grammar Info

N5 Lesson 1: 12/12

Question marking particle

か is also often used to mark uncertainty/doubt

Structure

Phrase +

Details

  • Part of Speech

    Particle

  • Word Type

    Sentence Ending Particle

  • Register

    Standard

About 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, can also express uncertainty about something, without strictly being a question.

regularly comes after the polite form of words, such as ~です, ~ます. However, in casual conversation, 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).

Examples

--:--

    これ(ほん)です

    Is this a book?

    これあなた(ほん)です

    Is this your book?

    これあなた(ほん)です

    Is this also your book?

    これペンです

    Is this a pen?

    これいいです

    Is this good?

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