Japanese grammar
What does ～かしら mean? Japanese grammar N4
～かしら means I wonder ~ (feminine).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + かしら na-adjective/noun (drop だ) + かしら |
| Romaji | kashira |
| Meaning | I wonder ~ (feminine) |
Forming it
| Connection | Casual verb + かしら, i-adjective + かしら, na-adjective + かしら, Noun + かしら |
|---|
How to use it
Asking yourself a question or gently asking someone nearby. This is FEMININE speech.
- After na-adjectives and nouns, DROP 「だ」: 「元気かしら」, not 「元気だかしら」.
- Men use 「かな／かなあ」 with the same function.
Examples
今日は雨が降るかしら。
I wonder if it will rain today.
このケーキ、おいしいかしら。
I wonder if this cake is tasty.
Keep in mind
- This is spoken language, not used in formal writing.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong今日は雨が降りますかしら。
I wonder if it will rain today.
Correct今日は雨が降るかしら。
Before 「かしら」, use the PLAIN form, not the ます form.
-
Wrong彼は元気だかしら。
I wonder if he's doing well.
Correct彼は元気かしら。
After na-adjectives and nouns, 「だ」 must be dropped.
Exam tips
- かしら (feminine) ↔ かな/かなあ (masculine, neutral).