What it means
かしら expresses uncertainty or a personal question equivalent to “I wonder.” It usually appears at the end of a sentence and often has a traditionally feminine or gentle tone. It can be used when thinking aloud or asking about something without directly requesting an answer. It normally follows a plain-form clause, and nouns and na-adjectives can be followed directly by かしら.
Usage note
かしら is associated especially with feminine speech and can sound soft, old-fashioned, or literary depending on the speaker and context. In neutral or polite speech, でしょうか is usually more natural. Men commonly use かな instead when expressing the same kind of personal wondering.
How to use it
山田さんは医者でしょうか。
I wonder whether Yamada is a doctor.
この道は安全でしょうか。
I wonder whether this road is safe.
この料理は辛いでしょうか。
I wonder whether this dish is spicy.
明日は電車が来るでしょうか。
I wonder whether the train will come tomorrow.
山田さんは医者かしら。
I wonder whether Yamada is a doctor.
この道は安全かしら。
I wonder whether this road is safe.
この料理は辛いかしら。
I wonder whether this dish is spicy.
明日は電車が来るかしら。
I wonder whether the train will come tomorrow.
Example sentences
明日の朝は雪が降るかしら。
I wonder if it will snow tomorrow morning.
この古い写真の持ち主は、祖父かしら。
I wonder if the owner of this old photograph is my grandfather.
来週の試験は難しいかしら。
I wonder if next week's exam will be difficult.
この薬は食後