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.
The speaker wants to know which of two alternatives is preferred or correct.
Used for choosing between two things. Very common in casual speech.
The speaker wants to know how to do something, often implying a choice among methods.
Means 'how' or 'in what way'. Use when asking for a method or procedure.
どうやって駅に行きますか？
Which way do you go to the station? / How do you get to the station?
駅はどっちですか？
Which way is the station?
Polite form of どっち. Use in formal situations or with strangers.
お手洗いはどちらですか？
Which way is the restroom?
Literally 'which direction', slightly more specific than just どっち.
出口はどっちの方ですか？
Which way is the exit?
赤と青、どっちがいい？
Which do you prefer, red or blue?
Polite version for choices. Often used with 〜の方が.
コーヒーと紅茶、どちらがよろしいですか？
Which would you like, coffee or tea?
More formal than どうやって. Often used in written instructions or polite speech.
どのように操作しますか？
How do you operate it?