This word asks a yes or no question. Older men often use it. They use it with people younger than them. It sounds very casual and manly.
Verb [dictionary form] + かいPrimary
い-Adjective + かい
な-Adjective + かい
Noun + かい
This word asks a yes or no question. Older men often use it. They use it with people younger than them. It sounds very casual and manly.
君、仕事は順調かい？
Is your work going smoothly?
おや、もう昼飯は済ませたかい？
Oh, have you finished lunch already?
この映画、あまり面白くないかい？
This movie isn't very interesting, is it?
てめえ、まだ生きているかい？
You bastard, you still alive?
祖父から『元気でやっているかい』と手紙が来た。
A letter came from my grandfather asking, 'Are you doing well?'
Using "~kai" shows you are older or higher up. It can sound kind, like a father. Or it can sound like you are looking down on someone. It can also sound like a challenge. You often hear it from older men in stories.
This is different from "~ka". "~ka" is a normal question. "~kai" is more casual. It sounds more like an older man talking. It is also softer than "~no ka". "~no ka" can sound like you are accusing someone. "~kai" is not as strong as "~no ka yo". That ending shows strong surprise or anger.
Don't use this when you ask questions with "what," "where," or "when." For example, you can't say "What is itかい?"
Use this when you want to check something. You might already think you know the answer. Or you want to gently question someone. It is like saying, "Is that really true?"
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