Difference Between “no” and “ka” Particle At The End of a Japanese Sentence

 

Here is a little more information about using particles, especially using の and か at the end of a sentence. Most new Japanese learners tend to forget to use the polite way of asking questions when speaking with unknown or new people they met. We shall find out the difference in today’s post.

Those who get the chance to listen to Japanese people speaking, will often hear them end their sentence with a の particle with the tone going up. So what’s that suppose to mean? That is to ask question. For example

On seeing my friend leaving the house

Casual Manner

どこ　に　いく　の？ - Where are you going?

Because he is my friend, so I can use that sentence above. It’s a casual way of asking him. But if you are speaking with someone not close to you, you should use the polite way

Polite Manner

どこ　に　いく　の　です　か？ - Where are you going?

In the English translation, it has the same meaning and but in Japanese, it just sounds more polite for the Japanese. But the Japanese tend to use it another way. Example below

Another Way of Saying

どこ　に　いくん です　か？ - Where are you going?

Same meaning too. But take note of the ん after the いく. So what is the difference then? No difference, just only thing you have to remember is that の is the same meaning as ん, interchangeable.

So if you want to ask a question, when should you use のor the ん? Use it only when you are seeing the action that is taking place or will be taking place assume that it’s taking place already. Compare it with sentences without the の or ん Examples below

On seeing someone doing something, なに　する　の？ - What are you doing?

Polite way would be なに　する　の　ですか？

Unable to see the person, e.g on the phone with someone, なに　する？ - What are you doing?

Polite way would be なに しますか？

On seeing your friend reading a book, なに　よむ　の？ - What are you reading?

Polite way would be なに　よむ　の　ですか？

You friend wants to find a book and read, but its not doing anything yet, なに　よむ - What will you read? or What do you read?

Polite way would be なに　よみますか？

You may use iteiru ている form in your verbs as well, same meaning.

Can you see the difference now? In actual conversation, sometimes forgetting to use the の or ん when asking questions is not a big issue. Don’t worry about it.  But if you want to use の at the end of a sentence towards your good friend, remember to end it with a tone going upwards. In any case, its good to know how to speak proper Japanese.  Have fun learning Japanese!