〜か思った

I thought that ~; I wondered if ~

1. Overview

「〜か思った」 is a grammatical structure used to express a thought or assumption about a certain situation or action. It conveys a sense of uncertainty or contemplation, often indicating that the speaker had a particular expectation or speculation that may not have been confirmed.

2. Structure

• Grammar Structure:

  • Verb (plain form) + か思った
  • Adjective (plain form) + か思った
  • Noun + か思った

• Explanation:

  • This structure implies that the speaker thought something or speculated about a situation, often used when expressing surprise or disappointment about the outcome.

3. Usage Explanation

• Expressing Thoughts: It is commonly used to express thoughts, doubts, or guesses about something. The speaker reflects on their expectations regarding an event or situation.

• Context of Uncertainty: It often conveys a feeling of uncertainty or contemplation, showing that the speaker's thoughts were not definitively confirmed.

• English Translation: It can be translated as "I thought that ~" or "I wondered if ~."

4. Example Sentences

1. 明日は晴れるか思ったけど、雨が降ってきた。
   I thought it would be sunny tomorrow, but it started to rain.

2. 彼が来るか思ったら、来なかった。
   I wondered if he would come, but he didn’t.

3. もっと早く終わるか思ったが、意外と時間がかかった。
   I thought it would finish earlier, but it actually took a lot of time.

5. Key Points to Note

• Use of Context: This expression is typically used when the outcome was different from what the speaker expected, highlighting the contrast between expectation and reality.

• Informal Usage: It is often used in casual conversations and informal writing.

6. Similar Grammar

• Verb (plain form) + と思った: This structure expresses a thought or assumption without the nuance of questioning.
  • Example: 行くと思った。
    (I thought I would go.)

7. Alternative Grammar

• Verb (plain form) + かもしれない: This is used to express a possibility or uncertainty about a situation.

  • Example: 明日行くかもしれない。
    (I might go tomorrow.)

• Verb (た形) + と思った: Used to express a thought about something that has already happened.

  • Example: 行ったと思った。
    (I thought I had gone.)

8. Summary

「〜か思った」 is used to express a thought or speculation about a situation, often reflecting uncertainty or an unexpected outcome. It emphasizes the contrast between expectation and reality and is typically used in informal contexts.