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Kai question particle

The question particle kai is used at the end of sentences in place of the ka question particle. Kai is generally used by men for questions or doubts to their wives or subordinates (not to superiors), including children.
Sō kai? Is that so?
Sono manga omoshiroi kai? Fun manga?
Omae sore shita kai? Did you do it? (softly to wife)
Omae sore shita ka? Did you do it? (harshly to wife)
It is probably a contraction of -ka-yo and it is related to dai. However, Hayaku kaeru-kai? "Are we going home soon?" isn't as argumentative as Hayaku kaeru-ka-yo?

References

  • post by Bart Mathias on origin of kai
  • post by Koji Kawakami on meaning of kai