A というか B というか JLPT N1

Formation

Phrase A + というか + Phrase B + というか

Explanation

The grammar 'A というか B というか' is used when the speaker isn't sure which expression (A or B) describes the situation better. It can be translated as 'rather than A, it's more B' or 'should I call it A or B?'.

Example sentences

• 彼は無礼というか、直接的というか、とにかくはっきりしている。

  He's rather rude, or maybe just direct; in any case, he is very blunt.

  Kare wa burei to iu ka, chokusetsuteki to iu ka, tonikaku hakkiri shite iru.

• この映画は面白いというか、変というか、とにかく不思議な雰囲気がある。

  This movie is interesting or maybe strange; anyway, it has a mysterious vibe.

  Kono eiga wa omoshiroi to iu ka, hen to iu ka, tonikaku fushigi na fun'iki ga aru.

• 彼の絵は素晴らしいというか、驚くべきというか、本当に見る価値がある。

  His paintings are wonderful, or perhaps astonishing; they're definitely worth seeing.

  Kare no e wa subarashii to iu ka, odoroku beki to iu ka, hontou ni miru kachi ga aru.

• 彼女の服はかわいいというか、派手というか、とにかく人目を引く。

  Her outfit is cute or maybe flashy; in any case, it grabs people's attention.

  Kanojo no fuku wa kawaii to iu ka, hade to iu ka, tonikaku hitome o hiku.