〜ことか
how ~! (exclamation)
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜ことか” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ことか」 means "how ~! (exclamation)". Structure: Question word + Plain + ことか. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1何度修理を確認したことか。
なんど しゅうり を かくにん した こと か。
nando shuuri o kakunin shita koto ka.
How many times have I checked the repair!
At work
Example 2何度資料を確認したことか。
なんど しりょう を かくにん した こと か。
nando shiryou o kakunin shita koto ka.
How many times have I checked the materials!
Everyday life
Example 3何度機械を確認したことか。
なんど きかい を かくにん した こと か。
nando kikai o kakunin shita koto ka.
How many times have I checked the machine!
Everyday life
Example 4何度材料を確認したことか。
なんど ざいりょう を かくにん した こと か。
nando zairyou o kakunin shita koto ka.
How many times have I checked the ingredients!
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 4
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
How many times have I checked the repair!
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ことか.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.