または
または
conjunction
or
1.
or, otherwise
Used to present an alternative or choice between options.
または is a conjunction meaning "or," used to present alternatives. It is more formal than か and typical of written language, announcements, and official documents.
KANJI:
Can also be written as 又は, though hiragana is more common.
WAYS TO SAY "OR" IN JAPANESE:
- または: formal, connects nouns or clauses (written/spoken)
- あるいは: formal, similar to または but slightly more literary
- か: casual, versatile (AかB)
- それとも: used in questions offering a choice (Aですか、それともBですか)
- もしくは: very formal, legal/official documents
USAGE NOTES:
- Connects nouns: コーヒーまたは紅茶
- Connects clauses: 電話で連絡する、または直接来る
- Does not typically start a sentence in formal writing
Related Words
Synonym:
あるいは (or (formal))