GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜ことか
Uses the form of a question to emphasize the great intensity of an emotion or degree.
Examples
再会できた時は、どれほど嬉しかったことか。
How happy I was when we were able to meet again!
Words used
何度説明しても理解してもらえず、どれほど困ったことか。
I cannot express how troubled I was when they failed to understand, no matter how many times I explained.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Degree expressions such as
どれほどcombine withことかto exclaim about the intensity of a feeling. - Basic usage:
再会できた時は、どれほど嬉しかったことか。emphasizes the great happiness felt upon meeting again.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- An exclamation versus a question seeking an answer
何度電話したことかcan reflect on having called more times than one can count.何度電話しましたかasks for the actual number, so an exclamation withことかis not always a question awaiting an answer.