N2118/217

それとも

それとも

Meanings

  • Or
  • Or else
  • Rather

About this pattern

Explanation

それとも is a conjunctive phrase used to present an alternative or second option after a previous statement or question. It signals a choice between two or more possibilities and is commonly used in questions to compare options or in statements leading into another possibility. It is often placed between two clauses or phrases that present the options.

Learn in context

Example sentences

あなたは英語で話しますか、それとも日本語で話しますか。

Will you speak in English, or in Japanese?

コーヒーにしますか、それとも紅茶にしますか。

Shall we have coffee, or tea?

今日は雨が降るかもしれません。外に出ますか、それとも家で過ごしますか。

It might rain today. Will you go out, or stay home?

彼は映画を見に行くべきです、それとも家で休むべきですか。

Should he go see a movie, or rest at home?

この機会を利用しますか、それとも別の機会を待ちますか。

Will you take this opportunity, or wait for another one?