1.
which one (of two)
Used to ask about a choice between two options. The polite form of どっち.
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, often used in business contexts.
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.
KO-SO-A-DO SERIES:
- こちら: this way/person (near speaker)
- そちら: that way/person (near listener)
- あちら: over there/that person
- どちら: which way/person (question)
KEY 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)
REGISTER:
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.