Unit 3 - Section 1: 〜によって

Practice Quiz

Advanced Question Formations

Master sophisticated question patterns and indirect speech used in formal Japanese contexts.

～のか / ～んですか (Asking for Explanation)

Pattern: [Statement] + のか/んですか

Ask for explanation or reason, seeking deeper understanding

  • なぜ来なかったんですか？ - "Why didn't you come? (seeking explanation)"
  • 何をしているのですか？ - "What are you doing? (requesting clarification)"

Indirect Questions (～かどうか)

Pattern: [Question form] + かどうか

Embed questions in statements

  • 彼が来るかどうか、分かりません。 - "I don't know whether he will come or not."
  • この映画えいがが面白いかどうか、試してみましょう。 - "Let's try whether this movie is interesting."

～そうです (I Heard That / Supposedly)

Pattern: [Statement] + そうです

Report what you heard (hearsay)

  • 明日は雨が降るそうです。 - "I heard/it's said that it will rain tomorrow."
  • その会議かいぎは重要じゅうようだそうです。 - "I heard that meeting is important."

Question Pattern Summary

Pattern Use Case Example
～のか Direct question asking for explanation 何をしているのですか
～かどうか Embed yes/no question in statement 来るかどうか分からない
～そうです Report what you heard 来るそうです

Study Tips

Master Advanced Questions:
  • Distinction: Know when to ask direct vs embedded questions
  • Pragmatics: ～のか shows deeper inquiry than simple question
  • Reporting: Use ～そうです to convey information appropriately
  • Conversational flow: These patterns are essential for natural discourse
Course Navigation
Study Tips
  • Read each example carefully
  • Practice pronunciation aloud
  • Create your own sentences to reinforce memory
  • Finish the section quiz