Translation guide
A guide to expressing alternatives, choices, and possibilities in Japanese, organized by how 'or' is used in English.
The speaker presents two or more options, and the listener can choose one or the statement is true if any option holds.
The most common way to say 'A or B' in Japanese. Use か between nouns, verbs, adjectives, or clauses. For yes/no questions, add か at the end.
コーヒーか紅茶はいかがですか。
Would you like coffee or tea?
明日は雨か雪が降るでしょう。
It will probably rain or snow tomorrow.
Slightly more formal than か. Often used in written language or official contexts.
電話またはメールでご連絡ください。
Please contact us by phone or email.
Similar to または, but can imply 'or possibly' or 'or alternatively'. Used in formal or written contexts.
この書類は英語、あるいは日本語で記入してください。
Please fill out this form in English or Japanese.
Used specifically in questions to present two alternatives. Often implies 'which one?'.
電車で行きますか、それともバスで行きますか。
Will you go by train, or by bus?
The speaker asks the listener to choose one of two presented items.
A polite way to ask 'Which do you prefer, A or B?'. と marks the items being compared.
赤と青とどちらがいいですか。
Which do you prefer, red or blue?
Directly means 'Please choose either A or B'. どちらか means 'either one'.
ケーキかアイスクリームかどちらか選んでください。
Please choose either cake or ice cream.
The speaker says that none of the options are true or chosen.
Use も after each item and end with a negative verb to mean 'neither A nor B'.
コーヒーも紅茶もありません。
There is neither coffee nor tea.
彼は英語もフランス語も話せません。
He can speak neither English nor French.
The speaker warns of a consequence if something is not done.
Means 'or else', 'otherwise'. Used at the beginning of a clause to state a negative consequence.
急いでください。さもないと遅れますよ。
Hurry up, or you'll be late.
Literally 'if you don't do so', used similarly to 'or else'. More casual than さもないと.
早く寝なさい。そうしないと明日起きられないよ。
Go to bed early, or you won't be able to wake up tomorrow.
The speaker gives a rough estimate or suggests an example without being precise.
Attach to a noun to mean 'or something', 'or whatever'. Indicates an approximate example.
コーヒーか何か飲みませんか。
Would you like some coffee or something?
Means 'about', 'or so'. Used with quantities.
10分くらい待ってください。
Please wait for ten minutes or so.
The speaker means that one or both options are acceptable.
Explicitly states 'either A or B, or both'. Used when clarity is needed.
パスポートか運転免許証のどちらか、または両方をお持ちください。
Please bring your passport or driver's license, or both.
か is the most common and neutral. または is formal and often used in writing. あるいは implies 'or possibly' and is also formal. In casual speech, か is usually sufficient.
コーヒーか紅茶をどうぞ。
Have some coffee or tea.
電話またはファックスでお申し込みください。
Please apply by phone or fax.
Using または in casual conversation can sound stiff. Stick to か for everyday alternatives.
今日か明日、映画に行かない？
Want to go to a movie today or tomorrow?
紅茶かコーヒーはいかがですか。
Would you like tea or coffee?
急いで。さもないと電車に乗り遅れるよ。
Hurry up, or we'll miss the train.
彼が来るかどうか分かりません。
I don't know if he's coming or not.