Explanation

か否か is a formal and literary expression used to indicate whether something is the case or not. It is often used in written language, legal documents, or formal speeches. The meaning is similar to 'whether or not' or 'if or not' in English.

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Key Formation

• Noun + か否か

  彼が犯人か否か

• Verb + か否か

  彼が来るか否か

Example Sentences

• 彼が犯人か否かはまだ分かっていません。 (Inspired by a Detective Manga)

  We still do not know whether or not he is the culprit.

  かれがはんにんかいなかはまだわかっていません。

  Kare ga hannin ka ina ka wa mada wakatte imasen.

  Pronunciation

• 彼が来るか否かは連絡を待っている。

  I am waiting for confirmation whether or not he is coming.

  かれがくるかいなかはれんらくをまっている。

  Kare ga kuru ka ina ka wa renraku o matte iru.

  Pronunciation

• この選択肢について、皆の意見が分かれていますか否か。

  Is there a division of opinion among everyone about this option?

  このせんたくしについて、みなのいけんがわかれていますかいなか。

  Kono sentakushi ni tsuite, mina no iken ga wakarete imasu ka ina ka.

  Pronunciation

• この医薬品の使用は許可されたか否かを確認してください。

  Please verify whether or not the use of this medication has been approved.

  このいやくひんのしようはきょかされたかいなかをかくにんしてください。

  Kono iyakuhin no shiyou wa kyoka sareta ka ina ka o kakunin shite kudasai.

  Pronunciation

• 決定が下される前に、審議を行うか否かを話し合いましょう。

  Let's discuss whether or not we should conduct deliberation before reaching a decision.

  けっていがくだされるまえに、しんぎをおこなうかいなかをはなしあいましょう。

  Kettei ga kudasareru mae ni, shingi o okonau ka ina ka o hanashiaimashou.

  Pronunciation

Usage Notes

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

Related Grammar, and what's the difference?

• かどうか (ka dou ka) - (N4 - N3)
  - Both か否か (ka ina ka) and かどうか (ka dou ka) are used to indicate whether or not something is the case. However, か否か (ka ina ka) is more formal and literary, while かどうか (ka dou ka) is commonly used in both spoken and written language.
• ものか (mono ka) - (N1 - N2)
  - Both か否か (ka ina ka) and ものか (mono ka) are used to express doubt or denial. However, ものか (mono ka) is more emphatic and expresses strong disbelief or denial, while か否か (ka ina ka) is a neutral and formal expression.
• かな (ka na) - (N3)
  - か否か (ka ina ka) and かな (ka na) are both used to express uncertainty or questioning. However, か否か (ka ina ka) is formal and typically used in written language or formal speeches, while かな (ka na) is more casual and used in everyday conversations.

Useful Vocabulary that appeared in this page

• * 彼 (かれ)he/himPronunciation
• * 犯人 (はんにん)culpritPronunciation
• * 来る (くる)to comePronunciation
• * 連絡 (れんらく)contactPronunciation
• * 待つ (まつ)to waitPronunciation
• * 選択肢 (せんたくし)optionPronunciation
• * 意見 (いけん)opinionPronunciation
• * 分ける (わける)to dividePronunciation
• * 許可 (きょか)approvalPronunciation
• * 確認 (かくにん)confirmationPronunciation
• * 決定 (けってい)decisionPronunciation
• * 審議 (しんぎ)deliberationPronunciation
• * 話し合う (はなしあう)to discussPronunciation

Quiz

Choose the correct interpretation of 'か否か'.

• Yes or no
• When and where
• Who and whom