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When choosing a gift, use 「かな」 to wonder whether it will suit the recipient.

Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N4 · Intermediate 1

〜かな~ka na

I wonder if…

Add 「かな」 to a plain form to voice an uncertain thought, such as whether a gift will suit someone.

How it works

When choosing a gift, use 「かな」 to wonder whether it will suit the recipient.
「かな」 means “I wonder…”: it sounds like a question to yourself, with the answer still uncertain.
Add 「かな」 after a plain form such as 「合う」 or 「合わない」 to express what you are wondering.
You can also say it in front of someone. It sounds like thinking aloud, and the other person may respond.
In the example, 「合わないかな」 expresses concern that the color may not match their taste; it does not state that it is unsuitable.

これ、kore、田中さんたなかさんtanakasanにni合うあうauかkaな。na。

I wonder if this would suit Tanaka.

このkono色いろiroは、わ、wa、相手あいてaiteのno好みこのみkonomiにni合わないあわないawanaiかkaな。na。

I wonder if this color might not match their preference.

A
この工芸品、こうげいひん、先生せんせいの好みこのみに合うあうかな。
A: I wonder if this craft item will suit the teacher's taste.
B
上品なデザインじょうひんなでざいんだから、きっと喜ぶよろこぶと思うおもうよ。
B: It has an elegant design, so I'm sure they will be pleased.
A
よかった。じゃあ、これに決めるきめるね。
A: Great. I'll go with this one then.

Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
I wonder if this perfume is meant for young people.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
これ、田中さんに____。
I wonder if this suits Tanaka.