また

Used to present alternatives. In this meaning it appears as the compound または (また + は), not as bare また: A、またはB (A or B). Common in written instructions and formal speech.

電話(でんわ)、または手紙(てがみ)で言(い)ってください。

Please tell me by phone or letter.

または = or

水曜日(すいようび)または木曜日(もくようび)に会(あ)いませんか。

Shall we meet on Wednesday or Thursday?

コーヒーまたは紅茶(こうちゃ)はいかがですか。

Would you like coffee or tea?

今日(きょう)または明日(あした)、答(こた)えます。

I'll answer today or tomorrow.

本(ほん)を読(よ)むか、またはテレビを見(み)るか、どちらかにしてください。

Please choose either reading a book or watching TV.

また is a versatile word functioning as an adverb ('again') and conjunction ('also,' 'or'). It's one of the most common words in everyday Japanese conversation.

Usage

1. 'again' (repetition): また来(き)てね (come again)
2. 'also/moreover' (addition): また、彼(かれ)は歌手(かしゅ)でもある (also, he is a singer)
3. 'or' (alternatives): 電話(でんわ)またはメール (phone or email) — the 'or' sense requires または, never bare また

Common expressions

またね / また明日(あした): See you later / See you tomorrow (casual farewells)
また後(あと)で: See you later
また今度(こんど): Some other time
また同(おな)じ: the same again

Forms

または: or, alternatively (more formal)
あるいはまた: or else, alternatively
再(ふたた)び: again (more formal/literary)

Note: When used at the start of a sentence, また adds information like 'furthermore' or 'in addition.'

Related Words

Synonym: 再(ふたた)び (again (more formal/literary))

Synonym: あるいは (or, alternatively)

Compare: 再度(さいど) (once more, again)

Compare: かつ (and, moreover, at the same time)

Compare: 第二(だいに)に (secondly, in the second place)

basic

Added 2026.1.7 21:44 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31

00500/00969_mata