か
Or
Structure
［い］Adjective (A) + か + ［い］Adjective (B) + か
［な］Adjective (A) + か + ［な］Adjective (B) + か
Noun (A) + か + Noun (B) + か
Explanation
The particle か is frequently used to mean 'or', connecting two or more options. Although this is a convenient translation, this usage is directly related to か's fundamental function as a particle that indicates a question.
- これはペンかえんぴつ。Is this a pen or a pencil?
- これはペンか。えんぴつか。Is this a pen? A pencil?
As the examples illustrate, か in Japanese serves a purpose similar to a question mark in writing, or a rising intonation when speaking.
'Do you want juice? Water?' (said with a rising intonation).
This use of か can follow the plain form of most words. Attaching です or ます, however, shifts the meaning from simply listing alternatives to formally asking another person a question, so it is important to be aware of this difference.
- 海か山に行くか。The beach or the mountains... where should I go? (The speaker is thinking to themselves)
- 海か山には行きますか。Are you going to the beach or the mountains? (The speaker is asking another person)
Examples
右か左か。
Right or left?
犬か猫。
A dog or a cat.
食べるか飲む。
To eat or to drink.
昨日か一昨日。
Yesterday or the day before yesterday.
それはペンか鉛筆ですか。
Is that a pen or a pencil?
好きか嫌い。
Like or dislike.
バスか電車で行く。
To go by bus or train.
この映画かあの映画がいい。
This movie or that movie would be good.
飲み物はコーヒーか紅茶。
The drink is coffee or tea.
午前か午後に電話する。
To call in the morning or in the afternoon.
勉強するかテレビを見る。
To study or watch TV.
山か海。
The mountains or the sea.