Genki Grammar #2 Forming Question Sentences

Introduction

Jumping into Japanese language learning can be thrilling but also daunting, especially when it comes to forming correct question sentences. Whether you’re asking for the time or inquiring about someone’s major, knowing how to construct questions is fundamental. This post simplifies the process, helping beginners understand how to use “ka (か)” and other question words in everyday conversations.

Creating Question Sentences in Japanese

To turn a statement into a question in Japanese, simply add “ka (か)” at the end.

Example:

• Statement: がくせいです (Gakusei desu) — I am a student.
• Question: がくせいですか (Gakusei desu ka) — Am I a student?

The example above is a simple “yes/no” question. You can also use question words like “nan” (what) to ask more detailed questions. We’ll look at how to use these specific question words: “nanji” (what time), “nansai” (how old), “nannensei” (what year in school), and “nanban” (what number).

Examples:

1. Asking about a major:
   A: せんこうは なんです か。 (Senkou wa nan desu ka) — What is your major?
   B: にほんごです。(Nihongo desu) — My major is Japanese.
   
2. Asking the time:
   A: いま なんじです か。 (Ima nanji desu ka) — What time is it now?
   B: くじです。 (Kuji desu) — It’s 9 o’clock.
   
3. Asking age:
   A: メアリーさんは なんさいです か。 (Mary-san wa nansai desu ka) — Mary, how old are you?
   B: じゅうきゅうさいです。 (Juukyuu sai desu) — I am 19 years old.
   
4. Asking school year:
   A: なんねんせいです か。 (Nannensei desu ka) — What year are you in college?
   B: にねんせいです。 (Ninensei desu) — I am a sophomore. 
   
5. Asking for a phone number:
   A: でんわばんごうは なんばんです か。 (Denwa bangou wa nanban desu ka) — What is the phone number?
   B: 861-5329です。 (Hachi roku ichi go san ni kyuu desu) — It’s 861-5329.

Note

In Japanese, it is not typical to use a question mark (?) at the end of a question sentence especially in formal writing.

せんこうは なんです か?

せんこうは なんです か。

The word “what” can be pronounced as “nan” or “nani.”

• Use “nan” before “desu” or a counter like “ji” (o’clock).
  これは なんです か。 (Kore wa nan desu ka?) – What is this?
  なんじです か。 (Nanji desu ka?) – What time is it?
  
• Use “nani” before a particle or in combinations like “nanijin” (person of what nationality).
  なにを します か。 (Nani wo shimasu ka?) – What will you do?
  なにじんです か。 (Nanijin desu ka?) – What nationality are you?

Conclusion

Mastering question sentences in Japanese isn’t just about adding “ka (か)”; it’s about understanding the context and using the right question words. This guide should serve as a stepping stone for all Japanese learners, making it easier to engage in meaningful conversations and enhance your understanding of the language’s structure.