二者択一(にしゃたくいつ)

にしゃたくいつ
noun
either-or choice, binary choice
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.

COMPONENTS:

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

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 二者択一(にしゃたくいつ)を迫(せま)る: to force a binary choice
  • 二者択一(にしゃたくいつ)の問題(もんだい): a binary question
  • 二者択一(にしゃたくいつ)ではない: not an either-or situation

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

RELATED:

  • 選択(せんたく): choice, selection
  • 二項対立(にこうたいりつ): binary opposition
  • AかBか: A or B (casual equivalent)
general
Added 2026.2.4 23:18
10000/10045_nishatakuitsu