JLPT N5 grammar comparison
か (question) vs よ (emphasis / new information)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
The difference
From the よ (emphasis / new information) lesson
か (question): か asks; よ tells.
Side by side
か (question)
ka (question) · JLPT N5
- Meaning
- Turns a statement into a question; also "or" between nouns.
- Formation
Sentence + か (行きますか)Noun + か + Noun (バスか電車)Question word + か (何か something, 誰か someone, どこか somewhere)
あなたは学生ですか。
あなたは がくせいですか。
Are you a student?
お茶かコーヒーを飲みますか。
おちゃか コーヒーを のみますか。
Will you have tea or coffee?
よ (emphasis / new information)
yo (emphasis, new information) · JLPT N5
- Meaning
- Sentence-final particle: tells the listener something they do not know, gives emphasis or reassurance.
- Formation
Polite sentence + よ (〜ですよ ／ 〜ますよ)Plain sentence + よ (〜だよ ／ 〜るよ)
この店は安いですよ。
この みせは やすいですよ。
This shop is cheap, you know.
もう八時ですよ。
もう はちじですよ。
It's already eight o'clock!
Frequently asked questions
When do you use よ (emphasis / new information) instead of か (question)?
か asks; よ tells.