Meaning
When a question word is followed by か, it creates an indirect question that functions as the object of the main sentence. The question word combines with verb plain form, i-adjectives, na-adjectives, or nouns, plus か, to express curiosity or inquiry about something. Common question words include だれ (who), いつ (when), どこ (where), and いくら (how much).
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 疑問詞＋動詞普通形 | 疑問詞 動詞普通形 か、… |
| 疑問詞＋い形容詞 | 疑問詞 い形容詞 か、… |
| 疑問詞＋な形容詞 | 疑問詞 な形容詞 か、… |
| 疑問詞＋名詞 | 疑問詞 名詞 か、… |
Examples
-
コンサートは 何時に 始まるか、覚えていますか。
Do you remember what time the concert starts? -
プレゼントは 何がいいか、聞きました。
I asked what kind of present would be good. -
あの 映画が どうして こんなに 人気か、知りたいです。
I want to know why that movie is so popular. -
奈良は どんなところか、知っていますか。
Do you know what kind of place Nara is?
Summary
- Question word + か creates an indirect question used as a noun phrase (object, subject, etc.)
- Follow the question word with plain forms of verbs, i-adjectives, na-adjectives, or nouns before adding か
- Commonly used with だれ, いつ, どこ, いくら, and 何 + counter words to express inquiry or curiosity