または

• Reading: または
• Romaji: matawa
• Kanji breakdown: 又 (mata) — again, also, or
• Pronunciation: /ma.ta.wa/

Meaning

Or; otherwise. A conjunction used to present alternatives.

A formal conjunction connecting two alternatives. More polite and written-style than か or それとも. Common in announcements, forms, instructions, and formal speech. Can be written in kanji as 又は but hiragana is standard in modern usage.

Examples

1. 電話またはメールでご連絡ください。 Please contact us by phone or email.
2. コーヒーまたは紅茶をお選びください。 Please choose coffee or tea.
3. 土曜日または日曜日に届きます。 It will arrive on Saturday or Sunday.

Usage Guide

Context: written instructions, announcements, formal speech

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 又 (mata, again/also) combined with the topic particle は. Originally indicated repetition or addition, later evolving to express alternatives.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal