Question word + clause + か + Main verb

[Embedded Question Clause]

Connection: Question word + clause (plain form) + か + Main verb

This grammar embeds a question clause into a larger sentence. The question word (何, どこ, いつ, etc.) appears within a subordinate clause that functions as the object of the main verb.

Formation:

• Question word + verb plain form + か + main verb
• The embedded clause uses plain form (not polite form)
• If the embedded clause already ends with か, don't add another か

Common Patterns:

• どこに行くか決める (decide where to go)
• 何を食べるか考える (think about what to eat)
• いつ帰るか教える (tell when [someone will] return)
• 誰が来るか知る (know who will come)

Key Points:

• The embedded question is NOT a direct question to the listener
• It represents the content of thinking, deciding, knowing, teaching, etc.
• Plain form is required in the embedded clause
• Main verbs commonly used: 決める, 考える, 知る, 教える, 分かる, 聞く

Examples: どこに行くか決めましたか。(Have you decided where to go?) 何を食べたいか教えてください。(Please tell me what you want to eat.) 誰が来るかまだ分かりません。(I still don't know who will come.)