か～かA or B
か～か presents two explicit alternatives: A or B. It can ask someone to choose directly or place an unresolved choice inside a larger sentence.
How the two markers work
Each か marks one alternative. In a direct choice question, the two marked options work together as one request for an answer. Inside a larger sentence, they form the unresolved choice that another verb describes.
The two basic shapes
会議は月曜日ですか、火曜日ですか。
Is the meeting on Monday or Tuesday?
AnalyzeBoth alternatives are stated as polite question-like options, and the whole sentence seeks an answer.
電車で行くか、バスで行くか、まだ決めていません。
I have not decided yet whether to go by train or by bus.
AnalyzeThe two clauses form the choice described by the verb meaning “decide.” This sentence reports indecision rather than directly asking the listener.
Explicit alternatives and yes-no uncertainty
A + か + B + か explicitly names both alternatives. By contrast, かどうか packages uncertainty as whether something is true or not, without naming two separate options. A single sentence-final か simply makes a direct question and does not by itself create an A-or-B choice.
More examples
昼ご飯はカレーですか、パスタですか。
Is lunch curry or pasta?
Analyze入口は右ですか、左ですか。
Is the entrance on the right or the left?
Analyze赤いかばんにしますか、黒いかばんにしますか。
Will you choose the red bag or the black bag?
Analyze窓を開けるか、閉めるか、決めてください。
Please decide whether to open or close the window.
Analyze今夜料理するか、外で食べるか、まだ迷っています。
I am still deciding whether to cook tonight or eat out.
Analyze新しい本を買うか、図書館で本を借りるか、考えています。
I am considering whether to buy a new book or borrow a book from the library.
Analyze参加するか、参加しないか、明日までに知らせてください。
Please let me know by tomorrow whether you will participate or not.
Analyze