またはOr (alternatives)
または connects two or more alternatives, meaning “or.” It is especially common in instructions, forms, notices, and organized writing.
How it works
Place the connective between alternatives that play the same role in the sentence: two things, two methods, two actions, or two complete possibilities. The alternatives do not have to be the same length, but the choice between them should be logically clear.
Typical written uses
Short noun-level choices are especially common on forms and in instructions, while longer alternatives often appear in notices and careful explanations.
Do not confuse addition with choice
または presents alternatives, whereas また adds another point or means “again.” In a direct conversational question asking someone to choose, それとも is usually more natural.
電車で行きますか、それともバスで行きますか。
Will you go by train, or will you go by bus?
AnalyzeThis is a direct question to the listener, so the conversational choice connector is preferred.
More examples
朝食にはパンまたはご飯を選べます。
For breakfast, you can choose bread or rice.
Analyze連絡は電話またはメールでお願いします。
Please contact us by phone or email.
Analyze本人または保護者が署名してください。
The applicant or a parent or guardian should sign.
Analyzeこの薬は食後すぐ、または医師に指示された時間に飲んでください。
Take this medicine immediately after a meal or at the time instructed by your doctor.
Analyze状況に応じて、会議をオンラインで行う、または来週に延期します。
Depending on the circumstances, we will hold the meeting online or postpone it until next week.
Analyze答えは一つ、または複数の場合があります。
There may be one answer or several.
Analyze