Translation guide
How to ask for direction, choice, or method in Japanese, depending on context.
The speaker wants to know which path, direction, or side to take or where something is located.
Casual way to ask 'which way' or 'which direction'. Used in everyday conversation.
Which way is the station?
Polite form of どっち. Use in formal situations or with strangers.
Which way is the restroom?
Literally 'which direction', slightly more specific than just どっち.
Which way is the exit?
The speaker wants to know which of two alternatives is preferred or correct.
The speaker wants to know how to do something, often implying a choice among methods.
どっち and どちら are for choosing between two concrete options (directions or things). どうやって is for asking about a method or process, not limited to two choices.
Which way are you going? (left or right?)
How are you going? (by train? on foot?)
Which would you like, coffee or tea?
どのように操作しますか？
How do you operate it?