かな indicates doubt
Sentence Structure Pattern
- [ Predicate ] + かな
English Meaning
wonder
Firstly, the most common use of "かな" is to express doubt.
It's used when you're questioning yourself (a rhetorical question).
It indicates a question for the whole sentence, containing the nuance of self-confirmation or self-speculation.
Japanese
明日は雨かな。
English
I wonder tomorrow will rain
Japanese
彼は大丈夫かな。
English
I wonder he is okay
Japanese
これで良いかな。
English
I wonder this is good.
Informal or Formal
Informal
Formal
Spoken or Written language
Spoken
Written
※ My personal impressions are quantified and may vary from person to person.
かな indicates hope
Sentence Structure Pattern
- [ Predicate ] + かな
English Meaning
hope
"かな" can also be used to express hope.
It is used when talking about a desired result or situation.
Additionally, it implies a quiet wish for something to happen.
Japanese
明日晴れるかな。
English
I hope it will be sunny tomorrow.
かな indicates uncertainty
Sentence Structure Pattern
- [ Predicate ] + かな
English Meaning
uncertainty
"かな" can also be used to express uncertainty or ambiguity about something.
Japanese
明日の試験、合格するかな。
English
I'm not sure if I'll pass the test tomorrow.