whether ~ or ~

Beginner

15-20 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Presents alternatives or uncertainty between options.

[Plain form] + か + [Plain form] + か

行くか行かないか、まだ決めていません。

Iku ka ikanai ka, mada kimete imasen.

I haven't decided yet whether to go or not.

これが本当か嘘か分かりません。

Kore ga hontou ka uso ka wakarimasen.

I don't know whether this is true or false.

Use plain form before each か.

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Common with decision-making expressions.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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