IntermediateJLPT N2 Grammar

Rhetorical Question

Question used as forceful statement

Romaji: rhetorical question

Meaning & usage

A question which functions as a forceful statement with no expected response.

Example sentences 14

  1. ああここにいたの(か)。

    Oh, you are here!

  2. あんな男に何が出来る(もの)か。

    What can a man like that do!

  3. こんなものがお客様に出せますか。

    How could we serve such a thing to guests!

  4. さっさと歩かないか。

    Walk quickly!

  5. そんな恥ずかしいことが出来ますか。

    I could never do such an embarrassing thing! (literally: Could I do such an embarrassing thing?)

  6. 今更何を隠すことがあるだろう(か)。

    What is there to hide now!

  7. 何だ、テレビを見ているの(か)。

    Oh, you're watching TV!

  8. 何も泣くことはないじゃない(か)。

    Oh, there's no reason to cry!

  9. 彼にそんな難しいことが分かるはずがないじゃない(か)。

    How could you expect him to understand such a difficult thing!

  10. 彼女がこんな所へ来るわけがないじゃない(か)。

    There is no reason that she would come to a place like this.

  11. 早くしないか。

    Do it quickly! (Can't you do it quicker?)

  12. 男は「開け、ゴマ!」と叫んだ。すると、なんと岩の扉が音もなく開いたではないか。

    The man shouted, "Open sesame!" And look what happened: the rock (literally: rock door) opened with no sound!

  13. 私の気持ちがあなたなんかに分かるもんですか。

    You never understand my feelings! (How could someone like you understand my feelings?)

  14. 誰があんな人にお金なんか貸すもんですか。

    Who would lend money to such a person!