What it means
ものか expresses a strong rhetorical denial or refusal, meaning that something is impossible, unacceptable, or very unlikely. Depending on context, it can be translated as “as if,” “like hell,” or “there is no way.” It is normally used in familiar or assertive speech and often conveys determination, disbelief, or emotional rejection rather than a genuine question. The polite counterpart ものですか keeps the same meaning while making the sentence more suitable for polite situations.
Usage note
ものか is forceful and can sound confrontational, so it should be avoided when a neutral or gentle denial is intended. With nouns and na-adjectives, use なものか; with i-adjectives and plain-form verbs, attach ものか directly.
How to use it
彼が医者なものですか。
There is no way he is a doctor.
彼が親切なものですか。
There is no way he is kind.
この問題が難しいものですか。
There is no way this problem is difficult.
彼がそんな約束を忘れるものですか。
There is no way he would forget such a promise.
彼が医者なものか。
There is no way he is a doctor.
彼が親切なものか。
There is no way he is kind.
この問題が難しいものか。
There is no way this problem is difficult.
彼がそんな約束を忘れるものか。
There is no way he would forget such a promise.
Example sentences
あんな無責任な約束を、二度と信じるものか。
Like hell will I ever believe such an irresponsible promise again.
あの危険な山道を、夜に一人で歩けるものか。
As if I could walk alone along that dangerous mountain path at night.
忙しいからといって、家族との約束を忘れるものか。
Just because I am busy, as if I would forget my promise to my family.