The “ka” suffix used at the end of an interrogative sentence is not often used in daily conversation. Rather than adding “ka,” it’s more common to raise one’s intonation at the end of a sentence, as in “jaa, ikimasu?” (Well then, will you come?) or “kore tabete ii?” (Can I have this?) When speaking politely to customers, it is correct to add “ka” after desu or masu as in “yoroshii desu ka” (Is that okay with you?) or “omachi itadake masu ka” (Could you wait?). However, if you add “ka” when speaking casually, as in “ii ka” (Is that okay?) or “materu ka” (Can you wait?) it sounds as if you’re being bossy. If women use it in this way, or if men use it to address their superiors, it sounds rather unpleasant. Even with the desu masu style, it can be taken the wrong way. For instance, “mou kaeru nn desu ka” (Are you going home already?) could be seen as a criticism of that person for going home early. Additionally, the suffix “ka” contains many other meanings besides that of a question. These should be pronounced with a downward inflection at the end of a sentence. Invitations: “meshi demo kuini ikou ka” (Shall we go out for a meal?) or (What’s your schedule?). Dissent/Opposition: “sonnna koto arimasu ka” (That can’t be) or “shinjirare masu ka” (That’s unbelievable; lit: Do you really believe that?). Being deeply Moved/Surprise: “sou nann desu ka” (I’m surprised to hear it; the implication being ‘this is the first time I’ve heard this’), or “kekkou yaruja nai ka” (You’ve done well; the implication being ‘better than I expected’), or “mou hatachi ka” (You’re already 20?; the implication being ‘How fast you’ve grown!’). Condemnation/Orders: “mada owaranai no ka” (You haven’t finished yet!) or “iikagenn ni shinai ka” (Can you just cut it out?). Talking to yourself: “sorosoro neru ka” (I should go to bed now) or “koko ni atta no ka” (Oh, you’re here).