～または

• Reading: または
• Romaji: matawa
• Formation: Noun A + または + Noun B
• Kanji breakdown: 又 (again, also)

Meaning

A conjunction meaning 'or' that connects two noun phrases to present choices or possibilities. It is more formal than the colloquial か and is commonly used in written instructions, rules, and official documents.

または is a formal disjunctive conjunction that presents two or more alternatives. It is functionally similar to か (or) but carries a more formal, written register. While か is natural in everyday speech, または appears frequently in legal documents, application forms, manuals, and academic writing. It can connect nouns, noun phrases, and sometimes entire clauses. Unlike あるいは, which can suggest vague possibility, または presents clear-cut alternatives. In very formal writing, もしくは may replace または for even greater formality.

Examples

1. 現金またはクレジットカードでお支払いいただけます。 You can pay by cash or credit card.
2. ご質問またはご意見がございましたらお知らせください。 Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.
3. 電話またはメールでご連絡ください。 Please contact us by phone or email.

Usage Guide

Context: written, formal speech, official documents

Tone: informational

Do Say

• 身分証明書またはパスポートをご持参ください。
• 参加希望の方は土曜日または日曜日にお越しください。
• 申込書は窓口またはウェブサイトから入手できます。

Don't Say

• 今日はラーメンまたはカレーにしようかな。(Using または in casual self-deliberation — use か instead for informal speech) → 今日はラーメンかカレーにしようかな。
• 明日またはあさって遊ぼうよ。(Using または in casual conversation among friends — か or it sounds unnaturally stiff) → 明日かあさって遊ぼうよ。

Origin & History

または derives from the verb 又 (また, 'again/also') combined with は (topic marker), originally meaning 'on the other hand.' Over time it grammaticalized into a formal conjunction for alternatives.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal