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はたまた Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
conjunction
or ; or else ; alternatively
usually written using kana alone
Conjunction used to present another possibility, often in a somewhat literary or emphatic style. Similar to それとも or あるいは, but with a slightly more formal or rhetorical feel.
Written forms はたまた Usage 99%
Kana spelling is standard; the kanji form 将又 is rarely used.
将はた 又また Usage 1%
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form; learners should use the kana spelling.
Kanji 将 leader, commander, general
or again, furthermore, on the other hand
Similar words それとも More common and casual than はたまた; used in everyday conversation to present alternatives.
あるいは Similar in formality, but あるいは can also mean 'perhaps' or 'some', while はたまた is strictly a conjunction between alternatives.
Etymology The exact derivation is uncertain; it may be a reduplicative formation from an older element はた (side, other) with また (again, also).
