JPEDLAB iconJPEDLAB
Save history

Create an account and play

Explore first, then save your progress whenever you are ready. No email address is required.

Start free
Read as articleCards
See the whole course›Intermediate 1›Customs and Gifts

Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N3 · Intermediate 1

〜ようかな~you ka na

considering whether to…

Use 「〜ようかな」 to think aloud about an action you have not decided to take.

Start the interactive lessonIllustrated cards, audio and speaking practice

How it works

  1. Before giving her friend a gift, she wonders whether to ask what they like first. She has not decided yet.

    Before giving her friend a gift, she wonders whether to ask what they like first. She has not decided yet.

  2. Put the verb in the volitional form and add 「かな」 to express an action you are considering.

    Put the verb in the volitional form and add 「かな」 to express an action you are considering.

  3. The key is that you are still considering whether to act. It sounds more hesitant and gentle than stating a decision directly.

    The key is that you are still considering whether to act. It sounds more hesitant and gentle than stating a decision directly.

  4. You can also use it to share your thoughts in conversation. You are not necessarily asking the other person for an answer.

    You can also use it to share your thoughts in conversation. You are not necessarily asking the other person for an answer.

  5. 「聞いてみようかな」 means you are considering trying to ask. 「かな」 shows that you have not decided whether to try yet.

    「聞いてみようかな」 means you are considering trying to ask. 「かな」 shows that you have not decided whether to try yet.

Example sentences

  • 相手あいてaiteにni先さきsakiにni好きな物すきなものsukinamonoをo聞いきいkiiてteみようmiyouかkaな。na。

    I'm thinking about asking them first what they like.

In a conversation

Check yourself

  1. Level 1 · Recognise

    Which sentence is correct?

  2. Level 1 · Recognise

    Listen and choose the meaning

  3. Level 2 · Build

    Put the words in order

    Maybe I'll buy a lucky limited-edition item to celebrate.

  4. Level 3 · Use

    What goes in the blank?

    相手に先に好きな物を____。

    I'm thinking of asking the other person what they like first.

More grammar in this theme

  • 〜ようかなconsidering whether to…

Keep practising

Test your Japanese vocabulary12 adaptive questions, freeCheck your pronunciationRead aloud and get a scorePractise verb forms10-question conjugation quizSee the whole courseGrammar, vocabulary and quizzes by theme
  • A
    友達ともだちの結婚けっこん祝い、いわい、何なににしよう。

    A: What should I get for my friend's wedding gift?

  • B
    食べたらなくなるたべたらなくなる消耗品しょうもうひんなんかどう？どう

    B: How about something consumable, like food that disappears once eaten?

  • A
    そうだね。じゃあ、ちょっと高級こうきゅう感かんがあるお菓子おかしを探しさがしてみようかな。

    A: Good point. In that case, I think I'll look for some sweets that feel a bit premium.

  • 相手あいてaiteのno国くにkuniのno習慣しゅうかんshuukanをo少しすこしsukoshi調べようしらべようshirabeyouかkaな。na。

    I think I might look into the customs of their country a bit.

    • 〜って何ですかask what something is
    〜というのは〜ですexplain what a term means
    〜と言われていますwidely reported saying
    〜のような〜something like; comparison
    〜かなI wonder if…
    〜なんかどうですかgentle suggestion
    〜がっていますshowing a feeling
    〜からですgiving a reason
    Previous〜かな
    Next〜なんかどうですか