~のだろうか
JLPT Level: N4
Meanings
I wonder...
I wonder if...
Could it be that...?
I wonder whether...?
Usage
Verb (dictionary form) + のだろうか
い-adjective (dictionary form) + のだろうか
な-adjective (dictionary form/noun before のだろうか) + のだろうか
Noun + のだろうか
Explanation
~のだろうか is used when the speaker is wondering about something or speculating about a possibility. It softens a guess by turning it into a question thought to oneself or asked to someone, rather than making a strong assertion. It often expresses curiosity, doubt, or consideration of a situation that isn’t confirmed. It can sound slightly formal or literary depending on context. Do not use it for direct commands or definite statements; it’s about wondering or wondering aloud. Examples include questions about plans, outcomes, or reasons, such as 私は彼が来るのだろうか (I wonder if he will come). Note that the form changes with the part of speech: verbs in their dictionary form, i-adjectives in their base form, and な-adjectives or nouns before のだろうか with な or だ before のだろうか as appropriate.
彼が本当に来るのだろうか。
かれがほんとうにくるのだろうか。
I wonder whether he will really come.
この問題は解決できるのだろうか。
このもんだいはかいけつできるのだろうか。
I wonder if this problem can be solved.
明日、雨が降るのだろうか。
あした、あめがふるのだろうか。
I wonder if it will rain tomorrow.
彼は静かなのだろうか。
かれはしずかなのだろうか。
I wonder if he is quiet (calm).