JLPT N5 grammar comparison
の (possession; modification) vs か (question)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
The difference
From the か (question) lesson
の (possession; modification): In casual speech の can replace か at the end: 行くの？
Side by side
の (possession; modification)
no (possession, modification) · JLPT N5
- Meaning
- "of / 's" — links two nouns: possession, attribute, origin, or apposition. Also a pronoun "one".
- Formation
Noun 1 + の + Noun 2 (Noun 1 describes Noun 2)い-adjective + の (赤いの = the red one)Noun + の (これは私のです = this is mine)
これは私の傘です。
これは わたしの かさです。
This is my umbrella.
日本語の先生はどこですか。
にほんごの せんせいは どこですか。
Where is the Japanese teacher?
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?
Frequently asked questions
When do you use か (question) instead of の (possession; modification)?
In casual speech の can replace か at the end: 行くの？.