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JLPT N2 Neutral

A aruiwa B

Indicates alternatives; 'A or B', 'either A or B'.

Neutral, plain "or" - the everyday conjunction, not the literary A-とも-B-とも pattern.

Formation

Explanation

The あるいは grammar point is used to show alternatives or options, similar to 'A or B' or 'either A or B' in English. It highlights the possibility of more than one option in a situation. It can be used with verbs, adjectives, and nouns.

Example sentences

  • Today, I plan to either watch a movie or go shopping.

    Kyou wa eiga wo miru aruiwa shoppingu wo suru yotei desu.

  • She can speak either English or German.

    Kanojo wa eigo aruiwa doitsugo de hanasu koto ga dekimasu.

  • We like to drink either coffee or tea.

    Bokura wa koohii aruiwa koucha wo nomu no ga suki desu.

  • You can work as either a full-time employee or a contract employee in this job.

    Kono shigoto wa seishain aruiwa keiyaku shain toshite hataraku koto ga dekimasu.

Regardless (Whether A Or B)