それとも

• Reading: それとも
• Romaji: soretomo
• Pronunciation: /so.ɾe.to.mo/

Meaning

Or; or else. A conjunction presenting an alternative choice between two options.

A conjunction used exclusively in questions to present an alternative. Connects two options the listener must choose between. More formal than the simple か...か pattern and signals that the speaker genuinely wants the listener to pick one.

Examples

1. お茶にしますか、それともコーヒーにしますか。 Would you like tea, or would you prefer coffee?
2. 電車で行く、それともバスで行く。 Should we go by train, or take the bus?
3. 今日やる、それとも明日にする。 Are you going to do it today, or put it off until tomorrow?

Usage Guide

Context: questions, decision-making, daily conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of それ (that) + と (with) + も (also/even). Literally 'even with that,' it evolved to present an alternative possibility alongside what was already mentioned.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal