Japanese grammar
What does ～か～か mean? Japanese grammar N5
～か～か means A or B (presents two options to choose from).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N5 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Noun + か + Noun + か Plain form + か + plain form + か |
| Romaji | ka ka |
| Meaning | A or B (presents two options to choose from) |
Forming it
| Connection | Noun1 + か + Noun2 + か～ |
|---|
How to use it
Placing 「か」 after EACH option, to ask or present two possibilities for the listener to choose from.
- Different from 「や」 (lists a few representative items among many): 「か」 forces choosing ONE among the options given.
- In a question, the final 「か」 is often dropped: 「コーヒーか紅茶、どちらにしますか」 still sounds natural.
Examples
コーヒーか紅茶か、一つだけ選んでください。
Coffee or tea — please pick just one.
今日は映画を見るか、散歩するか、どちらにしますか。
Shall we watch a movie or take a walk today?
Keep in mind
- The final option's 「か」 can be omitted in colloquial speech.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongコーヒーや紅茶か、一つだけ選んでください。
Please choose just one, coffee or tea.
Correctコーヒーか紅茶か、一つだけ選んでください。
「や」 is used to list a few items among many, not to force a single choice. Both sides must be 「か」.
-
Wrongコーヒーか紅茶かを選んでください。
Please choose coffee or tea.
Correctコーヒーか紅茶か、選んでください。
No particle 「を」 is attached after 「～か～か」; pause with a comma and continue instead.
Exam tips
- 「か」 = pick ONE; 「や」 = list a few representative items.