1.
which one (of two)
Used to ask about a choice between two options. The polite form of どっち.
Which arrives faster, train or bus? I don't want to be late for work.
2.
where (polite)
A polite way to ask where someone is from or where they are going.
3.
who (polite)
A polite way to ask who someone is, almost always as どちら様 (on the phone, at the door, at reception).
どちら is a polite interrogative with three main uses: asking which of two options, asking where (polite), and asking who (polite). It is more formal than どっち.
Related words
Common patterns
- どちらがいいですか: Which do you prefer?
- どちらへ: Where are you going? (polite)
- どちら様ですか: Who are you? (very polite)
- どちらにお勤めですか: Where do you work? (polite)
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どちら is the standard polite form. Use どっち in casual speech. In business or formal situations, どちら is strongly preferred.
Related Words
Related:
こちら (this way (polite))
Related:
あちら (over there (polite))
Related:
どっちか (either one)
Related:
そちら (that way/person)