二者択一(にしゃたくいつ)

にしゃたくいつ
noun
either-or choice, binary choice
formalabstractcognition
1. either-or choice, binary choice
A situation requiring a choice between exactly two options, with no middle ground or alternative.
二者択一(にしゃたくいつ)を迫(せま)られる。
To be forced to make an either-or choice.
二者択一(にしゃたくいつ)の問題(もんだい)。
A binary question.
結婚(けっこん)か仕事(しごと)かの二者択一(にしゃたくいつ)ではない。
It's not an either-or choice between marriage and work.
人生(じんせい)は常(つね)に二者択一(にしゃたくいつ)ではないと思(おも)う。
I think life isn't always about either-or choices.

二者択一(にしゃたくいつ) means having to choose one of exactly two options.

Etymology

  • 二者(にしゃ): two parties/things
  • 択一(たくいつ): selection of one

Common patterns

Usage

Often used to criticize oversimplified thinking that ignores nuance or middle ground solutions.

Related words

Related Words

Related: 選択(せんたく) (choice, selection)
Related: 二項対立(にこうたいりつ) (binary opposition)
general
Added 2026.2.4 23:18 · Revised 2026.10.6 16:37
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