N447/179

かな

Verb (dictionary form) + かない-adjective (dictionary form) + かなNoun + かなNa-adjective + かなNote: often with かなぁ for softer nuance

Meanings

I wonder
I’m not sure
perhaps I wonder if...
it would be nice if... (soft wish)

About this pattern

Explanation

かな is a casual, self-directed sentence-ending particle used to express wonder, doubt, or a gentle speculation about something. It’s commonly used when thinking to oneself or speaking in a soft, tentative way. It is informal and typically not used in formal writing or speeches. The nuance is closer to “I wonder…” or “I guess…” rather than making a firm assertion. It can be followed by a question mark in writing to emphasize the wonder, or lengthened with かなぁ for a softer, more dreamy tone.

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Example sentences

明日雨が降るかな。

I wonder if it will rain tomorrow.

このケーキ、おいしいかな。

I wonder if this cake is tasty.

あの人はもう来ないかな。

I wonder if that person won’t come.

宿題を忘れたかな。

I wonder if I forgot my homework.

元気かな。

I wonder if I’m well / I hope they’re well.

Related patterns

Or something; Any... (with question words); No matter (who)

easy to (do); likely to (happen); easy to be affected by

Difficult to; Hard to; Not easy to do something

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More N4 patterns

Or something; Any... (with question words); No matter (who)

easy to (do); likely to (happen); easy to be affected by

Difficult to; Hard to; Not easy to do something

Gradually; Little by little; Step by step

more and more; rapidly; increasing quickly; progressively

We/They/You all (plural forms); These/Those (plural demonstratives); Plural suffix for certain pronouns and demonstratives