N4 · Structured courses

Embedded Questions: Questions Inside Sentences

Learn to embed questions inside sentences — like "I don't know where he is." This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn to embed questions inside sentences — like "I don't know where he is."
  • Form and connection: [疑问词] … か
  • Nuance in real use: Embedded questions let Japanese contain a complete question within a sentence — not "Where is he?" but "I don't know where he is." This recursive structure gives Japanese remarkably rich expressive layers.

Form and connection

[疑问词] … か

Core Explanation

Learn to embed questions inside sentences — like "I don't know where he is."

Cultural Note

Embedded questions let Japanese contain a complete question within a sentence — not "Where is he?" but "I don't know where he is." This recursive structure gives Japanese remarkably rich expressive layers.

Practical examples

I don't know where he is.
I don't know whether he'll come tomorrow.
Please tell me what this is.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[疑问词] … か
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerI don't know where he is.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answerこれが何なんだか教おしえてください。 ([疑问词] … か)

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