~のか (explanatory question)

grammar

44 sentences

The composite ending ~のか (explanatory の + question か) — polite form ~のですか, casual contraction ~んですか — used to seek an explanation or background context rather than a simple yes/no answer. Forms a softer, more reflective question than bare か — 'why is it that X? / how does X come about? / could it be that X?' Often used when seeking explanation or for self-directed musing. Combines well with progressive ~ている (~ているのですか 'what is it that you are doing?'). Also appears in embedded clauses to frame an explanation-seeking interrogative.

44 sentences

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Don't you know the saying 'even between close friends, there are manners to observe'?

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Why did you save this fine wine until now?

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Since when did Japanese people start eating polished white rice?

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Can we really say 'no' to the United States?

、、。

Why are Muslims so insistent on burial rather than cremation?

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Will the universe continue to expand infinitely?

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Still not resolved? Is it the prefecture or the central government that's responsible?

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Why does the moon shine at night?

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What on earth drove them to take such action?

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So are we supposed to just keep taking the fallout from that?

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Stop dodging the point. Is there a problem or not? Spit it out.

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The old man wondered why his life had slipped away in vain.

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You're turning 17 next month?

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When Yoko and I heard the siren stop nearby, we immediately tried to rush outside to see what had happened.

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Can computers really translate literary works and the like?

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Are you seriously saying that?

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She was at a loss as to which road to take.

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She wants to know who sent her the flowers.

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Is she innocent, or does she just have no shame?

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Why do herbicide-resistant crop varieties produce higher yields?

？！

Did you make it to the train?!

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Why was it only England that succeeded in weakening royal power?

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The reason why God allows Satan to do such things is explained in the Book of Job in the Bible.

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Why do they even make it available to rival competitors?

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What's really going on with you? You don't have your usual spark.

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Are trains run on oil?

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I don't know what will happen next year.

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Are your friends coming to the airport to see you off?

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The question is what I should do next.

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Did something go wrong?