どちら

どちら
pronoun
which (of two); where (polite)
1. which one (of two)
Used to ask about a choice between two options. The polite form of どっち.
どちらがいいですか。
Which one would you like?
赤(あか)と青(あお)、どちらにしますか。
Red or blue, which will you choose?
紅茶(こうちゃ)とコーヒー、どちらがお好(す)きですか。
Which do you prefer, tea or coffee?
この二(ふた)つの中(なか)から、どちらか一(ひと)つを選(えら)んでください。
Please choose one from these two.
電車(でんしゃ)とバス、どちらが早(はや)く着(つ)きますか。仕事(しごと)に遅(おく)れたくないんです。
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.
どちらへ行(い)かれますか。
Where are you going?
Polite 'where' meaning
どちらからいらっしゃいましたか。
Where are you from?
どちらにお住(す)まいですか。
Where do you live?
お客様(きゃくさま)はどちらのご出身(しゅっしん)ですか。
Where are you from, sir/madam?
どちらの方面(ほうめん)にお出(で)かけですか。お車(くるま)でお送(おく)りしましょうか。
Which direction are you heading? Shall I give you a ride?
3. who (polite)
A polite way to ask who someone is, often used in business contexts.
どちら様(さま)ですか。
Who is it? / May I ask who's calling?
Very polite 'who' meaning
失礼(しつれい)ですが、どちら様(さま)でしょうか。
Excuse me, but may I ask who you are?
どちらにお勤(つと)めですか。
Where do you work?
Asking about affiliation
どちらの会社(かいしゃ)の方(かた)ですか。
Which company are you from?
恐(おそ)れ入(い)りますが、どちら様(さま)でしょうか。お名前(なまえ)をお聞(き)かせいただけますか。
I'm sorry, but may I ask who you are? Could you tell me your name?
Very formal inquiry

どちら is a polite word with multiple uses. For asking 'which of two,' どっち is the casual equivalent. どちら is part of the ko-so-a-do demonstrative series: こちら (this way), そちら (that way), あちら (over there), どちら (which way). In formal settings, どちら様(さま)ですか is used to politely ask someone's identity.

basic
Added 2026.1.7 21:03 · Revised 2026.2.21 11:56
00500/00927_dochira