Grammar Point
particle
prt 
か~か

or, whether or not

after each alternative

Verb or い-Adjective informal

The particle か is used to list alternatives, indicating that one of the options is true or will be chosen. It can be used with verbs, adjectives, and nouns to express 'either A or B'.

Verb or い-Adjective

Connects two verbs or two い-adjectives to show alternatives.

Either eat or not eat.

Whether it is expensive or cheap.

Note

When using か with informal verbs or い-adjectives, the particle follows the dictionary form or the past tense form directly. This structure is often used to present two different actions or states as possibilities.

な-Adjective stem or Noun

When using な-adjectives or nouns, the particle か follows the stem or the noun directly. In informal speech, the copula だ is usually omitted before か.

な-Adjective or Noun

Connects two な-adjectives or two nouns to show alternatives.

Whether it is quiet or lively.

Either a teacher or a student.

Note

While だ can technically appear before か in some specific contexts for emphasis, it is standard to omit it when listing alternatives like 'A or B'.

Noun 1 か Noun 2

A simplified way to list two nouns as alternatives is to place か between them.

Noun Alternatives

Lists two nouns as options.

Tea or coffee.

Today or tomorrow.

Note

This is the most common way to say 'A or B' when referring to objects or people.

Words: 
か
Radicals of radicals