When you want to turn a statement into a question in Japanese, you often just add the particle か (ka) to the end of the sentence. It's similar to how we use a question mark in English, but it's spoken aloud.
For example, if you want to say "It is a book" (本です - Hon desu), to ask "Is it a book?" you'd say "本ですか?" (Hon desu ka?). The word order doesn't change like it often does in English.
This particle makes it very clear you're asking a question. It can be used with many different types of sentences, whether you're asking about an object, a person, or an action.
You'll hear it a lot in everyday Japanese conversations, and it's one of the most fundamental particles to learn for asking questions politely.
When you want to turn a statement into a question in Japanese, you can simply add the particle か (ka) to the end of the sentence. This is one of the most fundamental ways to ask a question.
For example, if you say 「これはペンです。」 (Kore wa pen desu. - This is a pen.), you can make it a question by adding か: 「これはペンですか。」 (Kore wa pen desu ka? - Is this a pen?)
You'll often hear it used in combination with question words like いつ (itsu - when), どこ (doko - where), or だれ (dare - who). However, even without a specific question word, か indicates that the sentence is a question.
When used at the end of a sentence, the particle "~か" changes a statement into a question. You've likely encountered this when asking simple yes/no questions, such as 「これ、ペンですか？」(Kore, pen desu ka? Is this a pen?).
However, "~か" can also be used to form indirect questions or to express uncertainty. For example, 「どこに行くか知りませんか？」(Doko ni iku ka shirimasen ka? Do you know where to go?) uses "~か" to embed a question within another sentence.
It's important to remember that while "~か" always indicates a question, the nuance can change depending on the context and the speaker's intonation.
In informal speech, particularly among close friends, "~か" is often dropped from yes/no questions, relying solely on rising intonation to convey a question.
When used at the end of a sentence, the particle "~か" changes a statement into a question. It's similar to adding a question mark in English. This particle indicates that the speaker is seeking information or confirmation.
For example, "これはペンです" (Kore wa pen desu - This is a pen) becomes a question when you add "~か": "これはペンですか" (Kore wa pen desu ka? - Is this a pen?). It can also be used with question words like "なに" (nani - what) or "だれ" (dare - who) to form specific questions.
In formal contexts, especially when addressing someone of higher status, you almost always include "~か" to make your question polite. However, in very casual conversations among close friends, it's often omitted, and the rising intonation at the end of the sentence is enough to indicate a question.
Understanding "~か" is fundamental to forming questions in Japanese and is a key component of basic conversational fluency.
When used at the end of a sentence, the particle "~か" changes a statement into a question. It's similar to adding a question mark in English. This is a very common and essential particle to know.
For example, if you say 「これはペンです。」 (Kore wa pen desu. - This is a pen.), adding 「~か」 at the end makes it 「これはペンですか。」 (Kore wa pen desu ka? - Is this a pen?).
You'll hear and use this particle constantly in everyday Japanese conversations. It can be used with various sentence structures to form direct questions.
Remember that in Japanese, you don't typically change your intonation to indicate a question like you do in English; the "~か" particle does that job.
When used at the end of a sentence, the particle "~か" changes a statement into a question. It's similar to adding a question mark in English. This particle doesn't change based on whether the question expects a yes/no answer or asks for specific information. It simply indicates that the sentence is interrogative. For instance, "これはペンです" (Kore wa pen desu - This is a pen) becomes "これはペンですか" (Kore wa pen desu ka? - Is this a pen?) with the addition of "~か".
~か 30秒了解
- Turns a statement into a question.
- Similar to a question mark.
- Used at the end of a sentence.
§ Understanding ~か (ka)
The Japanese particle ~か (ka) is essential for asking questions. It's similar to adding a question mark at the end of a sentence in English, but in Japanese, it's a spoken particle that signals a question. You'll hear it constantly, so getting comfortable with it is a must.
- Definition
- Question marker.
§ Basic Usage: Yes/No Questions
The most straightforward use of ~か is to form yes/no questions. You simply add it to the end of a statement.
これはペンですか。
(Kore wa pen desu ka.)
Is this a pen?
あなたは学生ですか。
(Anata wa gakusei desu ka.)
Are you a student?
§ With Question Words
When you use a question word like だれ (dare - who), 何 (nani - what), どこ (doko - where), or いつ (itsu - when), you also add ~か to the end of the sentence. This is crucial for forming information-seeking questions.
- だれ (dare): who
- 何 (nani): what
- どこ (doko): where
- いつ (itsu): when
- どう (dou): how
これは何ですか。
(Kore wa nan desu ka.)
What is this?
駅はどこですか。
(Eki wa doko desu ka.)
Where is the station?
§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news
You will hear ~か (ka) everywhere. Seriously, it's fundamental. Let's look at some practical situations.
§ At Work
In a professional setting, clarity is key. Using ~か ensures your questions are understood as questions, not statements.
会議は９時からですか。
(Kaigi wa kuji kara desu ka.)
Is the meeting from 9 o'clock?
この資料はもう読みましたか。
(Kono shiryō wa mō yomimashita ka.)
Have you already read these materials?
§ At School
When you're learning or asking questions in a classroom, ~か is your best friend.
先生、宿題はありますか。
(Sensei, shukudai wa arimasu ka.)
Teacher, is there homework?
テストは来週ですか。
(Tesuto wa raishū desu ka.)
Is the test next week?
§ In the News or Public Announcements
Even in formal news reports or public information, you'll find ~か when questions are posed, often rhetorically or to prompt consideration.
経済は回復に向かってますか。
(Keizai wa kaifuku ni mukattemasu ka.)
Is the economy heading towards recovery?
この政策は国民の支持を得られるでしょうか。
(Kono seisaku wa kokumin no shiji oえられる deshō ka.)
Will this policy gain public support?
§ What is 〜か (ka)?
- Japanese Word
- 〜か (ka)
- CEFR Level
- A2
- Definition
- Question marker.
The particle 〜か (ka) is one of the most fundamental particles in Japanese. Its main function is to turn a statement into a question. It's similar to how you would raise your intonation at the end of a sentence in English to ask a question.
You attach 〜か (ka) to the end of a sentence. It can follow verbs, adjectives, and nouns. There's no change in the word it attaches to, which makes it relatively simple to use.
§ Basic Usage of 〜か (ka)
When you want to ask a direct question, simply add 〜か (ka) to the end of your sentence. This is the most common use.
これはペンですか。
Is this a pen?
分かりますか。
Do you understand?
今日は暑いですか。
Is it hot today?
§ Asking Yes/No Questions with 〜か (ka)
Most questions formed with 〜か (ka) are yes/no questions. The listener will typically respond with はい (hai - yes) or いいえ (iie - no), followed by a confirmation or denial of the statement.
学生ですか。
Are you a student?
はい、学生です。
Yes, I am a student.
いいえ、学生ではありません。
No, I am not a student.
§ Using 〜か (ka) with Question Words
You also use 〜か (ka) when asking questions with interrogative words (who, what, where, when, why, how). In these cases, 〜か (ka) still functions as a question marker, but the answer will provide specific information rather than a yes/no.
- だれ (dare - who)
- なに/なん (nani/nan - what)
- どこ (doko - where)
- いつ (itsu - when)
- なぜ/どうして (naze/doushite - why)
- どう (dou - how)
これは何ですか。
What is this?
どこへ行きますか。
Where are you going?
誕生日はいつですか。
When is your birthday?
§ Indirect Questions and Multiple Choices with 〜か (ka)
〜か (ka) isn't just for direct questions. It can also be used in indirect questions, where you're asking about uncertainty or offering choices.
When expressing uncertainty (e.g., "I wonder if..."), you can use 〜か (ka) within a subordinate clause, often followed by phrases like 分かりません (wakarimasen - I don't know) or 知りません (shirimasen - I don't know/am unaware).
彼が来るかどうか分かりません。
I don't know whether he will come or not. (Lit. if he will come or not, I don't know.)
You can also use 〜か (ka) to present multiple choices, similar to "A or B" in English. You place 〜か (ka) after each option.
コーヒーか紅茶か、どちらにしますか。
Which will you have, coffee or tea?
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
While 〜か (ka) is the primary question marker, there are a few other ways to ask questions or express inquiry in Japanese, though they often carry different nuances.
- Rising Intonation (without 〜か): As mentioned, in very casual speech, you can drop 〜か (ka) and just use a rising intonation. This is common among close friends and family. However, it can sound less polite or even abrupt in more formal situations. Use 〜か (ka) for clarity and politeness.
- 〜の (no) (as a question marker): This is another informal question particle, often used by women or when speaking to children, or sometimes by men in very casual, inquisitive contexts. It's softer than 〜か (ka) and can imply a desire for explanation or confirmation. It's generally not used in formal speech.
これはあなたのの？
Is this yours? (casual, often feminine/child-like)
Compare this to using 〜か (ka):
これはあなたのですか。
Is this yours? (standard polite)
- 〜かい (kai): This is a very casual, often masculine, question marker. It's typically used among close male friends or when talking to subordinates, and can sometimes sound a bit rough. Avoid using it unless you're very familiar with the person and the context.
行くかい？
Are you going? (very casual, masculine)
The key takeaway here is that while other options exist for forming questions, 〜か (ka) is your go-to for standard, polite, and universally understood questions in Japanese. When in doubt, use 〜か (ka). It's the safest and most versatile choice for learners at all levels, especially A2. As you advance, you'll naturally pick up the nuances of the more informal alternatives through exposure and practice.
趣味小知识
In ancient times, 'か' was often used with other particles to form more nuanced questions, similar to how we might add 'really?' or 'I wonder' in English.
难度评级
Visually simple, common in text.
Easy to write, single kana.
Pronunciation is straightforward, intonation is key.
Easily identifiable at the end of questions.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
按水平分级的例句
これは本ですか。
Is this a book?
あれは日本語ですか。
Is that Japanese?
これはあなたのですか。
Is this yours?
お元気ですか。
Are you well? / How are you?
学生ですか。
Are you a student?
日本人ですか。
Are you Japanese?
お名前は何ですか。
What is your name?
おいくつですか。
How old are you?
これは本ですか？
Is this a book?
Simple question formation with 'desu ka'.
学生ですか？
Are you a student?
Asking about someone's occupation or status.
おいしいですか？
Is it delicious?
Asking about a quality or characteristic.
これはいくらですか？
How much is this?
Asking about price using 'ikura'.
どこに行きますか？
Where are you going?
Asking about destination with 'doko ni ikimasu ka'.
コーヒーを飲みますか？
Do you drink coffee?
Asking about a habitual action or preference.
いつ食べますか？
When will you eat?
Asking about time with 'itsu'.
日本語を話しますか？
Do you speak Japanese?
Asking about a skill or ability.
これはあなたのペンですか？
Is this your pen?
昨日、学校に行きましたか？
Did you go to school yesterday?
週末は何をしますか？
What are you doing on the weekend?
この本は面白いですか？
Is this book interesting?
お元気ですか？
How are you?
日本に行ったことがありますか？
Have you ever been to Japan?
コーヒーを飲みませんか？
Would you like to drink coffee?
どちらがいいですか？
Which one is better?
これはあなたのペンですか？
Is this your pen?
Simple question using 'desu ka?'
週末は何をしますか？
What will you do on the weekend?
Question about future plans.
日本語を話せますか？
Can you speak Japanese?
Question about ability.
この本は面白いですか、それともつまらないですか？
Is this book interesting, or boring?
Question offering two choices (A 'ka' B 'ka').
どこに行きたいですか？
Where do you want to go?
Question using an interrogative word 'doko'.
コーヒーを飲みますか、紅茶を飲みますか？
Will you drink coffee, or will you drink tea?
Question offering choices for an action.
これはいくらですか？
How much is this?
Question about price using an interrogative word 'ikura'.
明日、パーティーに行きますか？
Are you going to the party tomorrow?
Question about a future event.
これは日本語で何と言いますか。
How do you say this in Japanese?
A simple question using 'what'.
今日の会議は午後3時でよろしいですか。
Is today's meeting okay for 3 PM?
Politely confirming a time, using 'yoroishii desu ka'.
週末にご一緒にお食事でもいかがですか。
Would you like to join me for a meal on the weekend?
An invitation using 'ikaga desu ka' (how about?).
この書類、ご確認いただけましたでしょうか。
Have you been able to confirm this document?
A very polite way to ask if something has been done, using a double politeness marker.
あの人は本当にそのプロジェクトをやり遂げたのか、まだ信じられない。
I still can't believe if that person really completed that project.
Expressing doubt or disbelief, often with a nuance of 'whether or not'.
この問題、どうすれば解決できるのでしょうか。
How can we solve this problem, I wonder?
Expressing a personal wondering or musing, often with a slight seeking for advice.
明日の天気は晴れでしょうか、それとも雨でしょうか。
Will tomorrow's weather be clear, or will it be rainy?
Asking about alternatives using 'ka, soretomo ka'.
この提案について、何かご意見はありますでしょうか。
Do you have any opinions regarding this proposal?
A very polite and indirect way to ask for opinions, using 'go iken wa arimasu deshou ka'.
これは日本語で何ですか。
What is this in Japanese?
週末は何をしますか。
What will you do on the weekend?
コーヒーを飲みますか、それとも紅茶にしますか。
Will you drink coffee, or will you have tea?
あの人は誰だと思いますか。
Who do you think that person is?
駅までどう行けばいいか教えていただけますか。
Could you tell me how to get to the station?
この本、もう読みましたか。
Have you already read this book?
彼が来るかどうかはまだ分かりません。
I don't know yet whether he will come.
本当にこれでいいのか、もう一度確認してください。
Please confirm once more if this is really okay.
常见搭配
常用短语
これは何ですか。
What is this?
お元気ですか。
How are you?
お名前は何ですか。
What is your name?
これはあなたのペンですか。
Is this your pen?
東京はどこですか。
Where is Tokyo?
誕生日はいつですか。
When is your birthday?
このリンゴはいくらですか。
How much is this apple?
あの人はだれですか。
Who is that person?
なぜ遅れたのですか。
Why were you late?
日本語を話しますか。
Do you speak Japanese?
容易混淆的词
A morning greeting, distinct from こんにちは which is for daytime.
A more direct and stronger apology than すみません.
A general 'thank you,' whereas すみません for gratitude is for something that caused a minor inconvenience.
语法模式
习语与表达
"お元気ですか？"
How are you?
お元気ですか？最近どうですか？ (How are you? How have you been recently?)
neutral"これは何ですか？"
What is this?
これは何ですか？初めて見ました。 (What is this? I've never seen it before.)
neutral"どこへ行きますか？"
Where are you going?
これからどこへ行きますか？ (Where are you going from now?)
neutral"もう食べましたか？"
Have you eaten yet?
もう食べましたか？一緒にどうですか？ (Have you eaten yet? How about together?)
neutral"分かりましたか？"
Do you understand?
私の説明で分かりましたか？ (Did you understand my explanation?)
neutral"手伝いましょうか？"
Shall I help?
重そうですね。手伝いましょうか？ (It looks heavy. Shall I help?)
neutral"コーヒーでも飲みませんか？"
Would you like to drink some coffee (or something)?
少し休憩しませんか？コーヒーでも飲みませんか？ (Shall we take a short break? Would you like some coffee or something?)
neutral"本当に大丈夫ですか？"
Are you really okay?
顔色が悪いですよ。本当に大丈夫ですか？ (Your face looks pale. Are you really okay?)
neutral"これは正しいですか？"
Is this correct?
私のやり方はこれで正しいですか？ (Is my way of doing it correct?)
neutral"また会えますか？"
Can we meet again?
今日は楽しかったです。また会えますか？ (Today was fun. Can we meet again?)
neutral容易混淆
Often translated simply as 'hello,' but it's more specifically used for daytime greetings.
While it can be a general 'hello,' its core meaning is 'good day' or 'good afternoon.' Using it in the evening might sound a bit off.
こんにちは！お元気ですか？ (Hello! How are you? - Used during the day.)
Can mean 'excuse me,' 'I'm sorry,' or 'thank you.'
The meaning depends heavily on context. It's a versatile word for getting attention, apologizing, or showing gratitude for something that caused a slight inconvenience to someone else.
すみません、道を教えていただけますか？ (Excuse me, could you tell me the way?) すみません、遅れてしまいました。 (I'm sorry, I'm late.) すみません、手伝ってくれてありがとう。 (Thank you for helping me - literally 'I'm sorry to trouble you, but thank you.')
While usually 'yes,' it can also mean 'I understand,' 'I'm listening,' or 'here you go.'
It's a general affirmative or acknowledgment. It doesn't always imply agreement, but rather that you've heard or processed the information.
「これはあなたの傘ですか？」「はい、そうです。」 (Is this your umbrella? Yes, it is.) 「もしもし？」「はい、〇〇です。」 (Hello? Yes, this is [your name]. - Answering the phone) 「どうぞ。」「はい。」 (Here you go. Okay. - Receiving something)
While usually 'no,' it can also be used to politely decline or disagree without being overly direct.
Similar to はい, it's a general negative or polite disagreement. Sometimes, a long silence or a different phrasing is preferred over a direct いいえ.
「コーヒーはいかがですか？」「いいえ、結構です。」 (Would you like some coffee? No, thank you. - Declining politely) 「これはあなたの本ですか？」「いいえ、違います。」 (Is this your book? No, it's not.)
Can mean 'please,' 'go ahead,' 'here you are,' or 'welcome.'
It's an offering word, inviting someone to do something, take something, or enter somewhere.
どうぞ、お入りください。 (Please, come in.) どうぞ、お先に。 (Please, go ahead. - Letting someone go first) どうぞ、お召し上がりください。 (Please, eat. - Offering food)
句型
[Noun] ですか。
これはペンですか。 (Is this a pen?)
[Noun] は [Noun] ですか。
田中さんは学生ですか。 (Is Tanaka-san a student?)
[Verb (masu form)] ますか。
ご飯を食べますか。 (Do you eat rice?)
[Adjective (i-adjective)] いですか。
このTシャツは高いですか。 (Is this T-shirt expensive?)
[Adjective (na-adjective)] ですか。
その映画は有名ですか。 (Is that movie famous?)
[Question Word] [Verb] ますか。
何をしますか。 (What will you do?)
[Question Word] [Noun] ですか。
あれは何ですか。 (What is that?)
[Sentence 1] か、[Sentence 2] か。
コーヒーを飲みますか、それとも紅茶を飲みますか。 (Will you drink coffee, or tea?)
如何使用
When ~か (~ka) is added to the end of a sentence, it turns the sentence into a question. For example, 「これはペンです。」 (Kore wa pen desu.) means "This is a pen." Adding ~か makes it 「これはペンですか。」 (Kore wa pen desu ka?), which means "Is this a pen?"
A common mistake for English speakers is to overthink the structure of Japanese questions. Unlike English, Japanese does not change word order for questions. You simply add ~か to the end of a statement. Don't try to move verbs or subjects around like you would in English.
小贴士
Basic question form
Simply add ~か to the end of a sentence to make it a question. For example, これ は ペン です (Kore wa pen desu - This is a pen) becomes これ は ペン です か (Kore wa pen desu ka? - Is this a pen?).
No subject needed
Often, the subject of the question is understood from context. You don't always need to explicitly state 誰 (dare - who) or 何 (nani - what).
Rising intonation in informal speech
In informal speech, you can often omit ~か and just use a rising intonation at the end of the sentence to indicate a question. For example, ペン です か can become ペン です? (with rising intonation).
Don't overuse in informal questions
While correct, using ~か for every question in informal settings can sound a bit stiff. Rely on context and rising intonation more often with friends.
Yes/No questions
~か is essential for yes/no questions. For example, 日本 人 です か (Nihonjin desu ka? - Are you Japanese?).
Using with question words
When using question words like 何 (nani - what), 誰 (dare - who), どこ (doko - where), etc., you still add ~か to the end. For example, これ は 何 です か (Kore wa nan desu ka? - What is this?).
Politeness and ~か
Using ~か makes a question more polite and complete. In formal situations, always include it.
Reporting questions
~か can also be used to report a question within a sentence. For example, 彼 は どこ に 行きました か と 聞きました (Kare wa doko ni ikimashita ka to kikimashita - I asked him where he went).
Confirmation questions
You can use ~か to confirm information, similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?' in English. For example, 今日 は 月曜日 です か (Kyou wa getsuyoubi desu ka? - Today is Monday, isn't it?).
Distinction from の
Don't confuse ~か with the particle の, which indicates possession or description. They have completely different functions.
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of 'か' as a 'query' or 'question mark' sound. It asks 'ka-n you tell me?'
视觉联想
Imagine a big question mark (？) at the end of a Japanese sentence, and that question mark is shaped like the character 'か'.
Word Web
挑战
Try turning 5 simple English statements into questions using '~か'. For example, 'You are a student.' becomes 'あなたは学生ですか？'
词源
Old Japanese
原始含义： Indicates a question or uncertainty.
Japonic文化背景
The particle '~か' is fundamental in Japanese for forming questions. Unlike English, where word order changes and auxiliary verbs are used, Japanese often simply adds '~か' to the end of a sentence to turn it into a question. This directness reflects a cultural emphasis on clarity and conciseness in communication. It's also important to note that when speaking to close friends or family, '~か' is often omitted, relying on intonation to convey the interrogative nature.
常见问题
10 个问题The particle ~か (ka) turns a statement into a question. It's like adding a question mark to the end of a sentence in English. For example, 'これはペンです' (Kore wa pen desu - This is a pen) becomes 'これはペンですか' (Kore wa pen desu ka - Is this a pen?) when you add ~か.
Yes, you can use ~か with most sentences. You can attach it to nouns, adjectives, and verbs to form questions. Just be aware of the politeness level; for polite speech, you'll often see it with です (desu) or ます (masu).
Not always. While it often forms yes/no questions, ~か can also be used with interrogative words like いつ (itsu - when), どこ (doko - where), だれ (dare - who), or なに (nani - what) to ask for specific information. For example, 'これは何ですか' (Kore wa nan desu ka - What is this?).
When you add ~か to form a question, the intonation typically rises at the end of the sentence. This is similar to how English speakers raise their voice at the end of a yes/no question.
It depends on the context and who you're speaking to. In casual situations with close friends or family, you might omit ~か, and simply raise your intonation. However, in most other situations, especially when speaking to strangers or in formal settings, omitting ~か can sound abrupt or impolite. It's best to use it when in doubt.
Generally, you only use ~か once at the end of a question. If you're listing options, you might see ~か between them (e.g., りんごですか、みかんですか - Ringo desu ka, mikan desu ka? - Is it an apple or an orange?), but for a single question, it's typically just once at the end.
Using ~か makes it explicitly clear that you are asking a question, especially in written Japanese. While raising your voice can indicate a question in spoken Japanese, ~か provides a grammatical marker that's important for politeness and clarity, particularly in more formal contexts.
A common mistake is forgetting to use it in polite speech, or using it in a declarative sentence. Remember, it's for questions! Also, be careful not to overuse it if you're trying to sound natural in very casual conversations where a simple intonation change might suffice.
Yes, ~か is essential for embedded questions. For example, '何を食べたいか教えてください' (Nani o tabetai ka oshiete kudasai - Please tell me what you want to eat). Here, ~か indicates the question within the larger sentence.
You shouldn't use ~か in statements. It's solely a question marker. Also, in extremely casual speech among very close friends, you might sometimes omit it if the context and intonation make it clear it's a question, but for learners, it's safer to include it.
自我测试 114 个问题
これ は 何 です ___
To form a question in Japanese, you add the particle 'か' to the end of the sentence.
お元気 です ___
When asking 'Are you well?' or 'How are you?', 'か' is used at the end.
お名前 は 何 です ___
To ask 'What is your name?', you use 'か' as the question marker.
これ は あなた の 本 です ___
To ask 'Is this your book?', 'か' indicates a question.
日本 の 食べ物 は おいしい です ___
To ask 'Is Japanese food delicious?', 'か' turns the statement into a question.
今 何時 です ___
To ask 'What time is it now?', 'か' is used to make it a question.
To form a question asking 'Is this a book?', you arrange the words 'これ' (this), 'は' (topic marker), '本' (book), 'です' (is/am/are), and 'か' (question marker).
To ask 'Is that a pen?', you use 'それ' (that), 'は' (topic marker), 'ペン' (pen), 'です' (is/am/are), and 'か' (question marker).
To ask 'Is that (over there) a school?', you combine 'あれ' (that over there), 'は' (topic marker), '学校' (school), 'です' (is/am/are), and 'か' (question marker).
これ ___ あなたのかばんですか。
The particle 'は' (wa) marks the topic of the sentence. In this question, 'これ' (kore - this) is the topic.
おげんきです ___。
The particle 'か' (ka) turns a statement into a question. 'おげんきです' (O-genki desu) means 'You are well,' so adding 'か' makes it 'Are you well?'
それはなんですか ___。
For questions ending with an interrogative word like 'なに' (nani - what), 'どこ' (doko - where), 'だれ' (dare - who), etc., the 'か' particle is often omitted in informal speech, though it can still be used. In this context, it's a common omission.
ミラーさんはエンジニアです ___。
To ask 'Is Mr. Miller an engineer?', you add 'か' to the end of the statement 'ミラーさんはエンジニアです' (Mr. Miller is an engineer).
このほんはいくらです ___。
To ask 'How much is this book?', you add 'か' to the end of the statement 'このほんはいくらです' (This book is how much).
あなたのなまえはなんですか ___。
Similar to the third exercise, when an interrogative word ('なに' - what) is present, the particle 'か' can be omitted at the end of the sentence in natural speech, especially in A2 level conversations.
Which sentence correctly asks 'Is this a book?' in Japanese?
The particle 'か' is added to the end of a sentence to turn it into a question. 'これは本ですか。' correctly applies this.
How would you ask 'Are you a student?' in Japanese?
To form a question like 'Are you a student?', you add 'ですか' after the noun '学生' (student). The 'あなた' (you) is often omitted in natural Japanese.
Which of the following is NOT a correct way to ask a question using 'か'?
While '食べますか' is correct, placing 'これ' (this) after the question particle and comma makes it unnatural and grammatically awkward in this context. 'これ、食べますか？' would be more natural.
The particle 'か' can only be used at the very end of a sentence.
While 'か' commonly appears at the end of a sentence to form a question, it can also appear mid-sentence in other grammatical structures, such as listing options (e.g., 'AかBか' - A or B).
Adding 'か' to a statement automatically makes it a polite question.
When 'か' is added to a polite verb or noun phrase ending in 'です/ます', it forms a polite question. For example, '食べます' (eat) becomes '食べますか' (do you eat?).
You can use 'か' with both nouns and verbs to ask questions.
Yes, 'か' can be used with both. For example, 'これはペンですか' (Is this a pen?) uses a noun, and '行きますか' (Are you going?) uses a verb.
What is this?
Are you well?
Do you speak Japanese?
Read this aloud:
これはあなたのペンですか。
Focus: ka
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
学生ですか。
Focus: ka
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
コーヒーを飲みますか。
Focus: ka
你说的：
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You want to ask your friend if they like sushi. Write the question in Japanese. Include '~か'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
寿司が好きですか。
Ask your teacher if tomorrow is a holiday. Write the question in Japanese. Include '~か'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
明日は休みですか。
You are at a store and want to ask if they have apples. Write the question in Japanese. Include '~か'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
りんごはありますか。
What is A asking?
Read this passage:
A: これはあなたのペンですか。 B: はい、そうです。
What is A asking?
The particle '~か' indicates a question, and 'これはあなたのペンですか' translates to 'Is this your pen?'.
The particle '~か' indicates a question, and 'これはあなたのペンですか' translates to 'Is this your pen?'.
What is B's profession?
Read this passage:
A: 山田さんは学生ですか。 B: いいえ、学生ではありません。
What is B's profession?
The question asks if Yamada-san is a student, and the answer 'いいえ、学生ではありません' means 'No, they are not a student'.
The question asks if Yamada-san is a student, and the answer 'いいえ、学生ではありません' means 'No, they are not a student'.
What does B think about the book?
Read this passage:
A: この本は面白いですか。 B: とても面白いです。
What does B think about the book?
The question 'この本は面白いですか' asks if the book is interesting. The answer 'とても面白いです' means 'It is very interesting'.
The question 'この本は面白いですか' asks if the book is interesting. The answer 'とても面白いです' means 'It is very interesting'.
To form a question, simply add the particle か (ka) at the end of a statement.
The particle か (ka) turns a declarative sentence into an interrogative one.
You can also use か (ka) with adjectives to ask questions about qualities.
これはあなたの辞書です___。
The particle 'か' is used at the end of a sentence to turn it into a question.
お名前はなんですか___。
When asking for someone's name, 'か' is used to form the question.
東京は大きい都市です___。
To ask if Tokyo is a large city, 'か' is placed at the end of the sentence.
この本は面白いですか___。
The particle 'か' transforms a statement into a question, asking if the book is interesting.
今、時間があります___。
To inquire if someone has time now, 'か' is appended to the sentence.
これはあなたの傘ですか___。
'か' is used here to ask if the item is someone's umbrella.
Choose the correct particle to form a question: これはあなたの本です___。
The particle 'か' is used at the end of a sentence to turn it into a question.
Which sentence correctly uses 'か' to ask if someone is a student?
Adding 'か' to the end of 'あなたは学生です' (You are a student) makes it a question: 'あなたは学生ですか' (Are you a student?).
Complete the question: あの人は日本人ですか、それとも中国人ですか___。
Even in an 'A or B' question format using 'それとも', 'か' is still used at the very end to indicate a question.
The particle 'か' can only be used at the end of a sentence.
While 'か' commonly appears at the end of a sentence for questions, it can also appear mid-sentence when indicating uncertainty or a choice (e.g., どこへ行くか分かりません - I don't know where to go).
When asking a question in Japanese, you must always raise your intonation at the end of the sentence even if 'か' is present.
While intonation can indicate a question, the presence of 'か' explicitly marks it as a question, making a strong rising intonation optional, especially in more formal or neutral contexts.
The particle 'か' is only used for yes/no questions.
The particle 'か' is used for all types of questions, including those with interrogative words like 'だれ (who)', 'どこ (where)', 'いつ (when)', etc.
Listen to the sentence and understand if someone is asking about a pen.
Listen to the question about weekend plans.
Listen and determine if the question is about a movie being interesting.
Read this aloud:
これはあなたの車ですか。
Focus: intonation for questions
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
明日、何をしますか。
Focus: pronunciation of 'nani' and 'shimasu'
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
コーヒーを飲みますか、それとも紅茶を飲みますか。
Focus: connecting particles and nouns
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are meeting a new Japanese colleague. Write three questions you would ask them to get to know them better, using the particle 『か』. For example, 『お仕事は楽しいですか。』 (Is your job fun?)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
1. 週末は何をしますか。(What do you do on weekends?) 2. どんな食べ物が好きですか。(What kind of food do you like?) 3. 家族は日本にいますか。(Is your family in Japan?)
Imagine you are planning a trip to Japan with a friend. Write three questions you would ask your friend to decide on activities or destinations, using the particle 『か』.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
1. どこに行きたいですか。(Where do you want to go?) 2. いつ出発しますか。(When are we leaving?) 3. 何を食べたいですか。(What do you want to eat?)
You are at a Japanese restaurant and want to order. Write three questions you would ask the server, using the particle 『か』. For example, 『これは辛いですか。』 (Is this spicy?)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
1. おすすめの料理はありますか。(Do you have any recommended dishes?) 2. 飲み物はいかがですか。(How about drinks?) 3. ベジタリアンのオプションはありますか。(Are there any vegetarian options?)
田中さんは佐藤さんに何を聞いていますか。
Read this passage:
田中さん：もしもし、佐藤さんですか。 佐藤さん：はい、佐藤です。田中さんですか。 田中さん：はい、そうです。今、お時間ありますか。 佐藤さん：ええ、少し時間がありますよ。
田中さんは佐藤さんに何を聞いていますか。
田中さんは「今、お時間ありますか。」と尋ねています。
田中さんは「今、お時間ありますか。」と尋ねています。
この人は何について悩んでいますか。
Read this passage:
旅行の計画を立てています。京都と大阪、どちらがいいですか。京都はお寺や神社が多くて、静かな雰囲気です。大阪は賑やかで、おいしい食べ物が多いです。
この人は何について悩んでいますか。
「京都と大阪、どちらがいいですか」と尋ねており、どちらに行くかで悩んでいることがわかります。
「京都と大阪、どちらがいいですか」と尋ねており、どちらに行くかで悩んでいることがわかります。
Aさんは何を知りたいですか。
Read this passage:
A: この本、面白いですか。 B: はい、とても面白いですよ。 A: どんな話ですか。 B: 冒険の物語です。主人公が世界を旅して、色々な人と出会います。
Aさんは何を知りたいですか。
Aさんは「どんな話ですか。」と尋ねており、本の内容を知りたいことがわかります。
Aさんは「どんな話ですか。」と尋ねており、本の内容を知りたいことがわかります。
Choose the most natural sentence using '~か' to ask if someone is going to the party.
Adding 'か' to the end of a polite verb form (like '行きます') directly forms a polite question. The other options are either statements or a negative invitation.
Which sentence correctly uses '~か' to express uncertainty or a mild question about a situation?
When expressing uncertainty about a yes/no question embedded within a sentence, 'かどうか' (or sometimes just 'か' followed by a pause/comma) is used. 'かどうか' is more common and clear for 'whether or not'.
Select the sentence where '~か' is used to form a question that seeks information rather than a yes/no answer.
When 'か' follows an interrogative word (like '何' - what), it forms an information-seeking question. The other options are simple yes/no questions.
The particle '~か' can be used informally at the end of a sentence to turn a statement into a question, even without a polite verb form.
In informal Japanese, adding 'か' after a plain form verb or adjective makes it a question, similar to how it works with polite forms, though it's less common than other informal question markers like 'の' or just rising intonation.
When '~か' is used with 'どちら' (which one), it always implies a choice between two specific options.
'どちら' means 'which one (of two or more)' or 'which direction'. While often used for two options, it can also be used for more than two choices, especially when asking about directions or preferences.
Using '~か' in the middle of a sentence, like '私は彼が行くか知らない' (I don't know if he will go), always implies a strong doubt or negative feeling.
In this context, 'か' simply indicates uncertainty or forms a subordinate clause meaning 'whether or not'. It doesn't inherently imply strong doubt or negative feelings, just a lack of knowledge.
Is this your dictionary?
Is Tanaka-san a student?
What is this?
Read this aloud:
これはペンですか。
Focus: ka
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
あなたは日本人ですか。
Focus: anata
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
これはいくらですか。
Focus: ikura
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are planning a weekend trip with a friend. Write a short message asking about their availability and preferences for activities. Use '~か' to form at least two questions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
週末、何か予定ありますか？もし暇だったら、映画でも見に行きませんか？それとも、何か他にしたいことありますか？
Imagine you're at a Japanese restaurant and want to ask the waiter if a certain dish contains nuts, as you have an allergy. Write a polite question using '~か'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
すみません、この料理にナッツは入っていますか？アレルギーがあるので、確認させていただけますか？
You're trying to confirm details about a meeting with a colleague. Write a message asking if the meeting starts at 10 AM and if they have the agenda ready. Use '~か' twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
会議は午前10時からですか？それから、アジェンダはもう準備できましたか？
佐藤さんは田中さんに何について尋ねていますか？
Read this passage:
田中さんは来週のプレゼンテーションについて準備をしています。彼は同僚の佐藤さんに、資料の確認と発表練習の時間について尋ねました。佐藤さんは「資料はもう確認しましたか？発表練習はいつがいいですか？」と返信しました。
佐藤さんは田中さんに何について尋ねていますか？
佐藤さんの返信には「資料はもう確認しましたか？」と「発表練習はいつがいいですか？」という二つの質問が含まれています。
佐藤さんの返信には「資料はもう確認しましたか？」と「発表練習はいつがいいですか？」という二つの質問が含まれています。
私が恵子さんに尋ねた内容はどれですか？
Read this passage:
新しいカフェがオープンしました。友達の恵子さんが「週末に一緒に行きませんか？」と誘ってきました。私は「いいですね！どんなメニューがありますか？コーヒー以外に紅茶もありますか？」と聞きました。
私が恵子さんに尋ねた内容はどれですか？
私が質問したのは「どんなメニューがありますか？」と「コーヒー以外に紅茶もありますか？」です。
私が質問したのは「どんなメニューがありますか？」と「コーヒー以外に紅茶もありますか？」です。
学生が先生に尋ねたことは何ですか？
Read this passage:
山田先生は学生たちに次の宿題について説明しました。ある学生が「先生、この宿題はグループでやってもいいですか？提出期限は来週の金曜日ですか？」と質問しました。
学生が先生に尋ねたことは何ですか？
学生は「グループでやってもいいですか？」と「提出期限は来週の金曜日ですか？」と質問しています。
学生は「グループでやってもいいですか？」と「提出期限は来週の金曜日ですか？」と質問しています。
This sentence asks if Tanaka-san is a student. The particle 'か' (ka) at the end of the sentence turns it into a question.
This sentence asks if 'this' (これ) is 'your umbrella' (あなたの傘). Again, 'か' indicates a question.
This sentence asks if 'he' (彼) 'came yesterday' (昨日来ました). 'か' makes it a question.
この複雑な問題、解決策は見つかった___。
「〜か」は疑問のニュアンスを強め、解決策が見つかったかどうかを尋ねる時に使います。ここでは、この複雑な問題について、解決策が見つかったかどうかを尋ねる疑問形として機能します。
彼の突然の辞任は、一体どういう意味合いを持つ___。
「〜か」は不確かな情報や推測に対して、その真偽や内容を問う際に用いられます。ここでは、彼の辞任の背後にある意味を疑問視しています。
この報告書のデータは、本当に信頼できるものなの___。
「〜か」は相手に情報を確認したり、自分の疑問を投げかけたりする際に使います。この文脈では、報告書のデータの信頼性について疑問を呈しています。
プロジェクトの進捗状況、具体的にどこまで進んでいる___。
「〜か」は、具体的な情報や詳細を尋ねる疑問文で使われます。ここでは、プロジェクトの具体的な進捗状況を尋ねるために使われています。
彼の真意は、一体どこにあるの___、誰も理解できないでいる。
「〜か」は、不確実な事柄や不明な点について、その内容や真相を問いかける際に使います。ここでは、彼の真意がどこにあるのかという疑問を表しています。
この計画が本当に実現可能なのか、それとも単なる夢物語なの___。
「〜か」は、二者択一の疑問や、ある事柄の真偽を問う際に使われます。ここでは、計画が実現可能か、夢物語かという選択肢に対して疑問を呈しています。
You are at a formal business dinner in Japan. Your host asks if you have any dietary restrictions. Formulate a polite question in Japanese to ask if there are vegetarian options available.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
菜食のオプションはございますか？ (Are there vegetarian options available?)
You are discussing a complex project with your Japanese colleagues. You want to subtly confirm if everyone understands the next steps without directly asking 'Do you understand?'. Write a sentence that uses ~か to achieve this, implying 'Am I making sense?' or 'Is this clear?'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この点までよろしいでしょうか？ (Is everything clear up to this point?)
You're at a Japanese traditional inn (ryokan) and want to ask the staff if it's possible to reserve the private bath for an hour later in the evening.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
貸切風呂は、もう少し遅い時間に予約することは可能でしょうか？ (Is it possible to reserve the private bath a little later in the evening?)
Based on the conversation, what does Person A want to confirm in their last question?
Read this passage:
A: この提案書の内容で、何かご不明な点はございませんか？ B: はい、特にございません。非常に分かりやすかったです。 A: よろしければ、このままプロジェクトを進めてもよろしいでしょうか？ B: はい、異存ありません。
Based on the conversation, what does Person A want to confirm in their last question?
Person A's final question, 'よろしければ、このままプロジェクトを進めてもよろしいでしょうか？' (If it's alright, may we proceed with the project as is?), directly asks for confirmation to move forward with the project.
Person A's final question, 'よろしければ、このままプロジェクトを進めてもよろしいでしょうか？' (If it's alright, may we proceed with the project as is?), directly asks for confirmation to move forward with the project.
According to the passage, what is the main concern regarding the decreasing political interest among young people?
Read this passage:
ある報告書によれば、近年、若年層の政治への関心度が低下しているとの指摘があります。この傾向は、社会全体にどのような影響を与えるのでしょうか？専門家は、将来の政策決定に若者の意見が反映されにくくなる可能性を懸念しています。
According to the passage, what is the main concern regarding the decreasing political interest among young people?
The passage states '専門家は、将来の政策決定に若者の意見が反映されにくくなる可能性を懸念しています。' (Experts are concerned about the possibility that young people's opinions will be less reflected in future policy decisions).
The passage states '専門家は、将来の政策決定に若者の意見が反映されにくくなる可能性を懸念しています。' (Experts are concerned about the possibility that young people's opinions will be less reflected in future policy decisions).
What does the author suggest about traditional Japanese festivals in the modern era?
Read this passage:
日本の伝統的な祭りには、地域ごとに様々な特色が見られます。例えば、青森のねぶた祭りや京都の祇園祭など、それぞれ独自の歴史と文化を背景に持っています。これらの祭りが、現代社会においてどのような役割を果たしているのか、再考する時期に来ているのではないでしょうか。
What does the author suggest about traditional Japanese festivals in the modern era?
The last sentence, 'これらの祭りが、現代社会においてどのような役割を果たしているのか、再考する時期に来ているのではないでしょうか。' (Isn't it time to reconsider what role these festivals play in modern society?), directly asks for a re-evaluation of their role.
The last sentence, 'これらの祭りが、現代社会においてどのような役割を果たしているのか、再考する時期に来ているのではないでしょうか。' (Isn't it time to reconsider what role these festivals play in modern society?), directly asks for a re-evaluation of their role.
The particle 'か' is placed at the end of a sentence to turn it into a question. The word order is Subject + は + Noun + です + か.
The particle 'か' is placed at the end of a sentence to turn it into a question. The possessive 'の' connects 'あなた' (you) and '本' (book).
The particle 'か' is placed at the end of a sentence to turn it into a question. 'に' indicates the destination of the action '行き ます' (go).
Consider if 'ka' here indicates a genuine question or a rhetorical one, hinting at doubt.
Pay attention to the nuance 'no deshou ka' carries, suggesting a rhetorical question or seeking confirmation with an underlying feeling.
The 'to iu no deshou ka' ending implies a rhetorical question expressing a lack of alternatives or bewilderment.
Read this aloud:
あなたが言いたいのは、彼がその計画を最初から知っていたということでしょうか。
Focus: でしょうか (deshou ka)
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
果たして、この問題に対する真の解決策は存在するのでしょうか。
Focus: 存在するのでしょうか (sonzai suru no deshou ka)
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼がどれだけ努力しても、この結果を変えることはできなかったのでしょうか。
Focus: できなかったのでしょうか (dekinakatta no deshou ka)
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 114 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The particle ~か is essential for forming questions in Japanese, directly indicating an interrogative sentence.
- Turns a statement into a question.
- Similar to a question mark.
- Used at the end of a sentence.
Basic question form
Simply add ~か to the end of a sentence to make it a question. For example, これ は ペン です (Kore wa pen desu - This is a pen) becomes これ は ペン です か (Kore wa pen desu ka? - Is this a pen?).
No subject needed
Often, the subject of the question is understood from context. You don't always need to explicitly state 誰 (dare - who) or 何 (nani - what).
Rising intonation in informal speech
In informal speech, you can often omit ~か and just use a rising intonation at the end of the sentence to indicate a question. For example, ペン です か can become ペン です? (with rising intonation).
Don't overuse in informal questions
While correct, using ~か for every question in informal settings can sound a bit stiff. Rely on context and rising intonation more often with friends.
相关内容
更多communication词汇
について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
