Translation guide
The English word 'either' has several distinct grammatical functions. This guide helps learners express each one naturally in Japanese, covering choices between two items, 'either A or B', 'not either' (neither), and 'either' as 'also not'.
Expressing that one of two options is acceptable or possible, often in offers or statements of indifference.
Literally 'whichever is fine'. Used when both options are acceptable. Very common and natural.
どちらでもいいです。
Either is fine.
どちらでも好きな方を選んでください。
Please choose either one you like.
Casual version of どちらでも. Used in informal speech.
どっちでもいいよ。
Either is fine.
Formal/literary way to say 'either one'. Often used in written instructions or formal speech.
いずれかの方法でお支払いください。
Please pay by either method.
Presenting a choice between two specific options, often in statements or questions.
The most basic way to say 'A or B'. Simply place か between the two options. Works for nouns, verbs, adjectives.
コーヒーか紅茶はいかがですか。
Would you like either coffee or tea?
今日か明日、来てください。
Please come either today or tomorrow.
Emphasizes 'either one of A or B'. More explicit than just か.
コーヒーか紅茶のどちらかを選んでください。
Please choose either coffee or tea.
Formal version of どちらか. Used in writing or formal situations.
メールか電話のいずれかでご連絡ください。
Please contact us by either email or phone.
Expressing that none of two options is true or chosen. Equivalent to 'neither'.
The standard way to say 'neither' or 'not either'. どちらも means 'both' in negative sentences, giving the meaning 'neither'.
どちらも好きじゃない。
I don't like either. / I like neither.
どちらも正しくない。
Neither is correct. / Either is not correct.
Casual version of どちらも〜ない.
どっちも要らない。
I don't need either.
Expressing 'either' as in 'I don't like it either' or 'Me neither'. Used to agree with a negative statement.
Use も (also) in a negative sentence. The subject can change depending on context.
Literally 'It is so for me too'. A polite way to agree with a negative statement when the predicate is an adjective or noun+じゃない.
A: 忙しくない？ B: 私もそうです。
A: Aren't you busy? B: I'm not either. / Me neither.
Referring to both sides or ends of something, often in spatial contexts.
Means 'both' and can be used for 'either side' when the meaning is 'both sides'.
道の両方の側に木がある。
There are trees on either side of the road.
Literally 'on whichever side'. Emphasizes that it applies to both, but often used when the sides are identical.
どちらの端にも出口がある。
There is an exit at either end.
どちらでも is polite and neutral. どっちでも is casual. Use どちらでも in formal settings or with strangers.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'either'. Always consider the grammatical function and choose the appropriate pattern.