Japanese word

か

Pronunciation

Romajika

Meaning

  • particlequestion marker

Example

明日来ますか。asu ki ma su ka

Are you coming tomorrow?

Illustration for か (question marker)

More examples

これは本ですか。ko re wa hon de su ka

Is this a book?

この店は何時に開きますか。ko no mise wa nan ji ni hira ki ma su ka

What time does this store open?

Core concept

The particle か (ka) signals that the preceding statement is being offered for the listener to confirm or deny.

Common phrases

  • ですかde su ka

    is it?

  • ますかma su ka

    do you?

Similar words

ねne: A sentence-final particle that invites agreement or checks whether the listener shares the same view.
よyo: A sentence-final particle that adds emphasis when giving information to the listener.
のno: A sentence-final particle used to ask a question in casual and familiar speech.

Definition in Japanese

文の終わりに添えて、相手にその内容の当否を尋ねる語。bun no o wa ri ni so e te ai te ni so no nai yō no tō hi o tazu ne ru go

Word origin

The particle か (ka) is an inherited Japanese interrogative particle recorded in Old Japanese, although its earlier source is not certain.

Usage tips

  • Sentence-final か (ka) helps beginners recognize a yes-no question, but casual speakers often leave it out and use rising intonation instead.

Word lists with this word