1/8

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

Lesson notes · ≈ 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.

How it works

Before giving her friend a gift, she wonders whether to ask what they like first. She has not decided yet.
Put the verb in the volitional form and add 「かな」 to express an action you are considering.
The key is that you are still considering whether to act. It sounds more hesitant and gentle than stating a decision directly.
You can also use it to share your thoughts in conversation. You are not necessarily asking the other person for an answer.
「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.

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.
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.

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.

Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
Maybe I'll buy a lucky limited-edition item to celebrate.
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.