かな

particle

I wonder

1. I wonder; I'm not sure if

Sentence-ending particle expressing uncertainty, wondering, or thinking aloud. Used when the speaker is uncertain about something or musing to themselves.

明日(あした)、晴(は)れるかな。

I wonder if it'll be sunny tomorrow.

あの店(みせ)、まだ開(あ)いているかな。

I wonder if that shop is still open.

この色(いろ)、似合(にあ)うかな。

I wonder if this color suits me.

来週(らいしゅう)の試験(しけん)、大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)かな。ちょっと心配(しんぱい)だ。

I wonder if next week's exam will be okay. I'm a little worried.

Common patterns

Verb plain form + かな: 行(い)くかな (I wonder if [someone] will go)
い-adjective + かな: 高(たか)いかな (I wonder if it's expensive)
な-adjective / noun + かな: 静(しず)かかな / 先生(せんせい)かな

Forms

かな: standard, slightly casual
かなあ: drawn-out, more contemplative
かしら: similar meaning, traditionally feminine

Usage

かな is primarily used in monologue or self-directed speech. It can also be used in conversation when thinking aloud. It is casual; in formal speech, でしょうか replaces it.

In a negative question it softens a request: 手伝(てつだ)ってくれないかな (I wonder if you could help me).

Related Words

Compare: かしら (I wonder (traditionally feminine))

Related: か (question particle (かな = か + な))

general

Added 2026.2.12 15:50 · Revised 2026.10.13 3:22

10500/10989_kana