conjunction
or; either ... or
Connects two alternatives, often in the pattern AかBか. Note that は is pronounced わ.
コーヒーか紅茶、あるいはジュースはいかがですか。
Would you like coffee, tea, or juice?
電話あるいはメールでご
Please contact us by phone or email.
adverb
Expresses uncertainty or a tentative suggestion; often used at the beginning of a sentence.
あるいは彼はもう帰ったかもしれません。
Perhaps he has already gone home.
あるいは、別の方法を試してみてはどうですか。
Maybe you could try a different method.
adverb
some ... and others ...; sometimes ... and at other times ...
Used in the paired pattern あるいは…あるいは… to list contrasting examples or alternating states.
あるいは泣き、あるいは笑い、彼らは話し続けた。
Sometimes crying, sometimes laughing, they kept talking.
あるいは赤、あるいは青の旗が風に揺れていた。
Some flags were red and others blue, fluttering in the wind.