もしくは

も

し

く

は

Common wordJLPTN1Freq.FrequencyTop 2,000

Meanings

1

conjunction

or; otherwise

usually written using kana alone

Used to present alternatives, often in formal or written contexts. Similar to または, but もしくは can sound slightly more formal or legalistic.

電でん話わもしくはメールで

ご

連れん

絡らく

ください

。

Please contact us by phone or email.

必ひつ要よう書しょ類るいは窓まど口ぐちもしくは郵ゆう送そうで提てい出しゅつできます。

The required documents can be submitted at the counter or by mail.

Kanji

若young, if, perhaps

Related words

またはN4
もしくは is more formal and common in legal or official writing, while または is neutral and used in everyday speech as well as formal contexts.
あるいはN3
もしくは simply lists alternatives in a formal register, whereas あるいは can suggest a less certain or hypothetical alternative.
ないしN1
もしくは and ないし are both formal ways to say 'or', often in legal or official writing, though もしくは is slightly more common in everyday formal contexts.
それともN3
もしくは is a formal, written-style word for listing alternatives, whereas それとも is the natural spoken choice when asking someone to pick between options.

Written forms

もしくはUsage48%
Kana spelling is standard; the kanji form 若しくは is rare and mainly seen in formal or legal writing.
若もしくはUsage52%
Formal or legal kanji spelling; not common in everyday writing.
若もしくはUsage<1%
search-only kanji form
Search-only variant; not a standard modern spelling.

Etymology

Derived from the classical Japanese verb 若し (もし, 'if') combined with the particle くは, which indicates an alternative. The kanji 若 is used for its meaning of 'or' in this context.