A のやら B のやら JLPT N1

A no yara B no yara

Used when the speaker is unsure or confused between multiple possibilities.

Formation

Noun1 + のやら + Noun2 + のやら (also works with adjectives and verbs + のやら)

Explanation

The A のやら B のやら grammar expresses the speaker's confusion or inability to decide between possibility A and B. It can be translated roughly as 'whether it's A or B (I don't know).'

Example sentences

彼が怒っているのやら、悲しいのやら、私には分からない。

I don't know whether he's angry or sad.

Kare ga okotte iru no yara, kanashii no yara, watashi ni wa wakaranai.
試験の結果が良いのやら悪いのやら、気になって仕方がない。

I can’t help worrying whether my exam results are good or bad.

Shiken no kekka ga yoi no yara warui no yara, ki ni natte shikata ga nai.
彼女が私を好きなのやら嫌いなのやら、わからない。

I don’t know whether she likes me or hates me.

Kanojo ga watashi o suki na no yara kirai na no yara, wakaranai.
彼が本当に行くのやら行かないのやら、はっきりしない。

It’s unclear whether he will really go or not.

Kare ga hontou ni iku no yara ikanai no yara, hakkiri shinai.