How to Say ‘(polite question marker)’ in Japanese
ですか
desu ka
[dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: [ですか] turns a polite statement into a polite question. Compare [学びたいです。] "I want to learn" with [学びたいですか。] "Do you want to learn?"
Phrase Breakdown
です
desu
[dess]
is/are (polite)
Polite copula used in questions and statements. With か, it forms a polite question.
その経験は必要ですか。
Is that experience necessary?
か
ka
[kah]
question particle (makes a question)
Placed at the end of a sentence to turn it into a question. Common in polite interview speech.
志望理由を教えていただけますか。
Could you tell me your reason for applying?
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