〜かどうか
whether or not
Show what happens when a condition is met.
Remember it
Think “if this, then that” and bridge them with 〜かどうか.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜かどうか」 means "whether or not". Structure: Plain form + かどうか. This is a JLPT N4 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
Keep the condition and its result clear; the order matters more than a literal translation.
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故障が必要かどうか、確認します。
こしょう が ひつよう かどうか、かくにん します。
koshou ga hitsuyou kadouka, kakunin shimasu.
I will check whether the breakdown is necessary or not.
Everyday life
Example 2お釣りが必要かどうか、確認します。
おつり が ひつよう かどうか、かくにん します。
otsuri ga hitsuyou kadouka, kakunin shimasu.
I will check whether the change (money) is necessary or not.
Everyday life
Example 3畳が必要かどうか、確認します。
たたみ が ひつよう かどうか、かくにん します。
tatami ga hitsuyou kadouka, kakunin shimasu.
I will check whether the tatami mat is necessary or not.
Everyday life
Example 4紙が必要かどうか、確認します。
かみ が ひつよう かどうか、かくにん します。
kami ga hitsuyou kadouka, kakunin shimasu.
I will check whether the paper is necessary or not.
Everyday life
Example 5草が必要かどうか、確認します。
くさ が ひつよう かどうか、かくにん します。
kusa ga hitsuyou kadouka, kakunin shimasu.
I will check whether the grass is necessary or not.
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 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I will check whether the breakdown is necessary or not.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜かどうか.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.