Translation guide
A guide to expressing alternatives, choices, and possibilities in Japanese, organized by how 'or' is used in English.
A or B (nouns)
A or B (in questions)
The speaker presents two or more options, and the listener can choose one or the statement is true if any option holds.
The most common way to say 'A or B' in Japanese. Use か between nouns, verbs, adjectives, or clauses. For yes/no questions, add か at the end.
Would you like coffee or tea?
It will probably rain or snow tomorrow.
Slightly more formal than か. Often used in written language or official contexts.
Please contact us by phone or email.
Similar to または, but can imply 'or possibly' or 'or alternatively'. Used in formal or written contexts.
Used specifically in questions to present two alternatives. Often implies 'which one?'.
The speaker asks the listener to choose one of two presented items.
A polite way to ask 'Which do you prefer, A or B?'. と marks the items being compared.
The speaker says that none of the options are true or chosen.
Use も after each item and end with a negative verb to mean 'neither A nor B'.
The speaker warns of a consequence if something is not done.
The speaker gives a rough estimate or suggests an example without being precise.
Attach to a noun to mean 'or something', 'or whatever'. Indicates an approximate example.
The speaker means that one or both options are acceptable.
Explicitly states 'either A or B, or both'. Used when clarity is needed.
か is the most common and neutral. または is formal and often used in writing. あるいは implies 'or possibly' and is also formal. In casual speech, か is usually sufficient.
Have some coffee or tea.
Would you like tea or coffee?
Please fill out this form in English or Japanese.
Will you go by train, or by bus?
Which do you prefer, red or blue?
Directly means 'Please choose either A or B'. どちらか means 'either one'.
Please choose either cake or ice cream.
There is neither coffee nor tea.
He can speak neither English nor French.
Hurry up, or you'll be late.
Literally 'if you don't do so', used similarly to 'or else'. More casual than さもないと.
Go to bed early, or you won't be able to wake up tomorrow.
Would you like some coffee or something?
Means 'about', 'or so'. Used with quantities.
Please wait for ten minutes or so.
Please bring your passport or driver's license, or both.
電話またはファックスでお申し込みください。
Please apply by phone or fax.
Using または in casual conversation can sound stiff. Stick to か for everyday alternatives.
Want to go to a movie today or tomorrow?
Hurry up, or we'll miss the train.
I don't know if he's coming or not.