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A2 pronoun #1,200 am häufigsten 9 Min. Lesezeit

どちら

dochira Top 1,200

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At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'dochira' primarily as a polite way to ask 'which one' between two choices. At this stage, you might learn it in the context of simple preferences like 'Which do you like, apples or oranges?' (Ringo to mikan, dochira ga suki desu ka?). It is often taught alongside 'docchi' to show the difference between polite and casual speech. Students are encouraged to use 'dochira' in the classroom to practice respectful interaction with their teachers. It is also used in very basic directional questions, such as asking where a specific room is located in a building, providing a softer alternative to the direct 'doko'. The focus is on the 'A to B to, dochira...' pattern, which is a foundational structure for comparing two things. Learners also learn 'dochira mo' to express 'both', which is a very useful phrase for daily life.

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At the A2 level, the use of 'dochira' expands to include more social and professional contexts. Learners are expected to use it when asking for directions in a city or inside a large department store. Instead of just asking 'Doko desu ka?', an A2 learner should be able to ask 'O-tearai wa dochira desu ka?' to show a higher level of social competence. This level also introduces 'dochira' as a way to ask about someone's origin or company politely ('O-kuni wa dochira desu ka?'). The distinction between 'dochira' (2 items) and 'dore' (3+ items) becomes more important here. Learners start to see 'dochira' used in set phrases like 'dochira-sama' when answering a phone or a door. The grammatical patterns become slightly more complex, incorporating different particles like 'dochira e' (to where) and 'dochira no' (which one's).

By B1, learners should be comfortable using 'dochira' in a variety of registers. They understand that 'dochira' is not just about 'which' but is a tool for maintaining 'wa' (harmony) in conversation by avoiding overly direct language. In business scenarios, B1 learners use 'dochira' to discuss options, compare strategies, or politely inquire about a client's preferences. They are also introduced to 'dochira ka to iu to' (if I had to say which, rather...), a common phrase used to express a slight preference or a nuanced opinion. The use of 'dochira' to refer to people becomes second nature, and learners can distinguish between when to use 'donata' and 'dochira-sama'. They also begin to encounter 'dochira' in more formal reading materials, such as newspaper articles discussing two sides of an issue.

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At the B2 level, 'dochira' is used with high precision. Learners can navigate complex social hierarchies and choose 'dochira' instinctively to show the appropriate level of deference. They understand the nuances of 'dochira ni nasaimasu ka' (which will you decide on) in service industry contexts and can respond appropriately using humble or polite language. B2 learners also start to see 'dochira' used in more abstract ways, such as 'dochira to mo ienai' (cannot say either way/undecided). They are familiar with the kanji '何方' (though it is usually written in kana) and understand its historical roots. In debates or essays, they can use 'dochira' to structure comparisons between two competing theories or viewpoints effectively. The transition to 'izure' in extremely formal contexts is also explored.

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At the C1 level, 'dochira' is used as part of a sophisticated vocabulary to manage complex interpersonal dynamics. The speaker uses it to soften inquiries that might otherwise seem intrusive. For example, in a high-level negotiation, 'dochira' might be used to subtly ask about a competitor's position without being too blunt. C1 learners are also aware of regional variations or archaic uses of 'dochira' that might appear in classical literature or specific dialects. They can analyze why a speaker chose 'dochira' over 'donata' or 'doko' in a literary text to infer the speaker's social status or attitude toward the listener. The use of 'dochira' in complex conditional sentences (e.g., 'dochira ni seyo...' - 'in either case...') is common at this level.

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At the C2 level, 'dochira' is a tool for mastery. The speaker uses it with native-level fluency, often employing it in rhetorical ways or to maintain extreme levels of 'Keigo' (honorific speech). They understand the historical evolution of the word from a spatial indicator to a personal pronoun and can use this knowledge to appreciate deep nuances in historical dramas or formal speeches. A C2 learner can use 'dochira' to navigate the most delicate social situations, such as diplomatic encounters or high-stakes corporate legalities, where every word must be chosen for its level of respect and ambiguity. They are also capable of explaining the nuances of 'dochira' to others, including its psychological impact on the listener in terms of politeness and social distance.

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Dochira is the polite version of 'which' (for two items), 'where', and 'who'.
It is essential for formal Japanese, business etiquette, and polite social interactions.
Commonly used in the 'A to B to, dochira...' pattern for comparing two options.
Can be responded to with 'dochira mo' to mean 'both' of the two options.

The Japanese word どちら (dochira) is a versatile and essential pronoun that serves as the polite counterpart to several interrogative words. Primarily, it is used to ask 'which one' when choosing between two options, 'where' when asking for directions or locations in a respectful manner, and 'who' when inquiring about someone's identity politely. In the hierarchy of Japanese politeness, dochira sits significantly higher than its casual equivalent docchi and its more specific counterparts like dore (which) or doko (where).

Selection Between Two: When presented with two specific items, such as a red pen and a blue pen, you use どちら to ask which one the listener prefers. While dore is used for three or more items, dochira is the standard for a binary choice.

コーヒーと紅茶、どちらになさいますか？ (Coffee or tea, which will you have?)

Polite Location: In professional or formal settings, asking 'Where is the restroom?' using doko can sound slightly blunt. Replacing it with どちら softens the inquiry, making it sound more like 'In which direction might the restroom be?'

Furthermore, dochira is used to ask 'who' in a very respectful way, often as dochira-sama. This is the standard way to ask 'Who is calling?' on the phone or 'Who is at the door?' It removes the directness of dare (who), which can be perceived as interrogative or rude. Understanding the multi-faceted nature of dochira is a hallmark of moving from basic Japanese to a more nuanced, socially aware level of communication.

失礼ですが、どちら様でしょうか？ (Excuse me, but who am I speaking with?)

Directional Inquiry: Literally meaning 'which direction,' it is used when navigating. If you are at a fork in the road, you ask which path to take using this word.

Using どちら (dochira) correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement as a pronoun. It functions similarly to other 'ko-so-a-do' words (demonstratives). When comparing two items, the most common pattern is 'A to B to, dochira ga [adjective] desu ka?' This structure explicitly asks for a preference or a comparison between two nouns. It is important to note that the particle ga usually follows dochira in this context because the question is asking to identify the specific subject that fits the adjective.

肉と魚、どちらが食べたいですか？ (Meat and fish, which one do you want to eat?)

When using dochira for locations, it often replaces doko. For example, 'O-tearai wa dochira desu ka?' (Where is the restroom?). In this case, dochira acts as the predicate. You can also use it with the particle e (direction) to ask where someone is going politely: 'Dochira e ikaremasu ka?' (Where are you headed?). This is much more elegant than 'Doko e ikimasu ka?' which can sound like you are prying into someone's business.

The 'Both' Response: If someone asks you a dochira question and you like both options, you respond with どちらも (dochira mo). The particle mo means 'also' or 'too,' so dochira mo translates to 'both of them.'

Another crucial usage is identifying people. In a professional setting, instead of asking 'Who are you?' (Anata wa dare desu ka? - which is very rude), you ask 'Dochira-sama desu ka?' The addition of -sama is mandatory here to maintain the appropriate level of honorific speech. This is frequently used by receptionists, secretaries, or anyone answering a communal phone. It treats the person's identity as a 'direction' or 'side,' which is a common Japanese strategy to avoid direct confrontation or bluntness.

出身はどちらですか？ (Where is your place of origin/hometown?)

Polite 'Which' for Objects: Even if there are more than two items, a salesperson might use dochira to be extra polite, though dore is technically more accurate for 3+ items. This 'politeness inflation' is common in Japanese service industries.

You will hear どちら (dochira) in almost every formal or semi-formal interaction in Japan. One of the most common places is in a restaurant or cafe. The staff will use it when you are deciding between two sizes of a drink (e.g., 'Short or Tall?'), two types of side dishes, or when asking if you want to eat in or take out. The phrase 'O-meshiagari desu ka, o-mochikaeri desu ka, dochira ni shimasu ka?' is a staple of Japanese fast-food culture.

こちらとあちら、どちらの席がいいですか？ (Between here and there, which seat would you prefer?)

In the corporate world, dochira is the standard interrogative for discussing options. During meetings, if two proposals are being debated, a manager might ask, 'Dochira no an ga yoroshii deshou ka?' (Which plan would be better?). Using docchi in this context would be seen as unprofessional and overly casual. It is also used when introducing people or asking which company someone represents: 'Dochira no kaisha no kata desu ka?' (Which company are you from?).

Public Announcements: At train stations, you might hear announcements regarding which platform a train is arriving at. While often automated, staff-led announcements use dochira to direct passengers politely toward the correct side of the station.

In retail, when you are comparing two items, like a blue shirt and a green shirt, the clerk will wait for you to decide and might prompt you with 'Dochira ni nasaimasu ka?' (Which one will you decide on?). This usage reinforces the idea that dochira is the 'safe' word for any situation involving a choice where you want to maintain a level of decorum. It is also found in literature and news broadcasts to refer to 'either side' of a conflict or debate, often appearing as dochira no gawa.

本日はどちらへお出かけですか？ (Where are you heading out to today? - Polite neighborly talk)

One of the most frequent errors learners make is using dore when they should use どちら (dochira). Remember the 'Rule of Two': if you are choosing between exactly two things, dochira is the correct choice. If there are three or more, dore is used. Using dore for two items sounds slightly unnatural, while using dochira for three items is actually acceptable in very polite speech but technically incorrect in standard grammar.

Mixing Formality Levels: Learners often mix dochira with casual verb endings. For example, 'Dochira ga suki?' is a bit of a linguistic clash. If you are using dochira, it is better to pair it with desu ka or masu. If you are speaking casually, use docchi ga suki? instead.

❌ Incorrect: どこ様ですか？ (Doko-sama desuka? - Nonsense)
✅ Correct: どちら様ですか？ (Dochira-sama desuka? - Who are you?)

Another mistake is forgetting that dochira can mean 'where.' Many students stick rigidly to doko for all location questions. While 'Doko desu ka?' is not wrong, it can sound childish or overly direct in a business setting. Failing to use dochira when asking for someone's company ('Dochira no kaisha?') can also come across as slightly rude, as it implies a lack of professional distance.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the particle no. If you want to say 'Which one's book?' you must say 'Dochira no hon?' Some people try to say 'Dochira hon?' which is grammatically incomplete. Remember that dochira acts as a noun/pronoun and needs the particle no to modify another noun. Also, when answering 'both,' ensure you use dochira mo and not just dochira, as the latter remains a question word.

Pronunciation Pitfall: Be careful not to elongate the 'i' sound. It is dochira, not dochiira. Elongating sounds in Japanese can change the meaning or simply make the word unrecognizable to native speakers.

Understanding どちら (dochira) requires comparing it to its synonyms and related interrogatives. The most direct comparison is with docchi. Both mean 'which (of two),' but docchi is exclusively casual. If you are talking to a younger sibling or a close friend, docchi is natural. In any other case, dochira is the safer, more respectful choice.

Dochira vs. Dore: Dochira is for 2 items. Dore is for 3 or more items. If you ask 'Dore ga suki?' when holding only two items, it sounds like you forgot how many things you are holding.
Dochira vs. Doko: Doko is a direct 'where.' Dochira is a polite 'which direction/where.' Use dochira when asking a stranger for help or in a formal environment.
Dochira vs. Donata: Both are polite ways to say 'who.' Donata is very common for 'Who is that person?'. Dochira (especially dochira-sama) is used more for 'Who is calling?' or 'Who are you (polite)?'.

いずれ (Izure): An even more formal version of どちら often used in writing or extremely formal speeches to mean 'which' or 'either.'

Another alternative is donata. While dochira-sama asks 'who' by referring to the person as a 'direction' (a polite abstraction), donata is a direct polite pronoun for 'who.' In most cases, they are interchangeable, but dochira-sama is slightly more common when answering the door or the phone. Lastly, izure is a word you will encounter in JLPT N1 or N2 levels. It is the literary equivalent of dochira and is used in formal documents to mean 'either one' or 'which of the following.'

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The suffix '-chira' is related to 'kata' (direction/side), and over centuries, it evolved from a purely spatial term to a polite pronoun for people and objects.

Aussprachehilfe

UK dɒ.tʃi.ɾa

US doʊ.tʃi.ɾɑ

Flat pitch accent (Heiban), meaning the first syllable is low and the subsequent syllables are high and stay high.

Reimt sich auf

Achira (あちら) Sochira (そちら) Kochira (こちら) Machira (rare) Kashira (かしら) Bashira (in compounds) Hashira (柱) Kujira (鯨)

Häufige Fehler

Elongating the 'i' to 'do-chii-ra'.
Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a flap.
Using a heavy 'do' like 'dough' instead of a short Japanese 'o'.
Stressing the 'chi' syllable too hard.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'docchi'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Usually written in hiragana, making it easy to read.

Schreiben 2/5

Simple hiragana characters (ど・ち・ら).

Sprechen 3/5

Requires understanding the social context of when to use it over 'dore' or 'doko'.

Hören 2/5

Very common and easy to distinguish in speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

どこ (Doko) どれ (Dore) だれ (Dare) こちら (Kochira) そちら (Sochira)

Als Nächstes lernen

いずれ (Izure) どちらかというと (Dochira ka to iu to) 敬語 (Keigo patterns) 比較 (Comparison grammar)

Fortgeschritten

何方 (Kanji usage) どなた (Donata) いかほど (Ikahodo)

Wichtige Grammatik

A to B to, dochira ga...

りんごとバナナ、どちらが甘いですか？

Dochira no + Noun

どちらの本が面白いですか？

Dochira mo (Both)

どちらも買いました。

Dochira ka (One of them)

どちらかを選んでください。

Dochira demo (Whichever)

どちらでもいいですよ。

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Beispiele nach Niveau

これとそれ、どちらが好きですか？

Between this and that, which do you like?

A to B, dochira ga suki desu ka?

どちらがあなたのカバンですか？

Which one is your bag?

Dochira ga [Noun] desu ka?

コーヒーと紅茶、どちらがいいですか？

Coffee or tea, which would you like?

Offering a choice between two nouns.

どちらも好きです。

I like both.

Dochira mo = both.

お手洗いはどちらですか？

Where is the restroom?

Polite replacement for 'doko'.

どちらのペンが安いですか？

Which pen is cheaper?

Dochira no [Noun] = which [Noun].

お名前はどちらですか？

Which is your name? (e.g., on a list of two)

Using dochira for selection.

どちらへ行きますか？

Which way/where are you going?

Dochira e = which direction.

駅はどちらの方向ですか？

In which direction is the station?

Dochira no houkou = which direction.

失礼ですが、どちら様ですか？

Excuse me, but who are you?

Dochira-sama is a very polite 'who'.

お国はどちらですか？

Where is your country/hometown?

Polite way to ask origin.

どちらの料理がおいしいですか？

Which dish is delicious?

Comparing two items.

どちらのバスに乗ればいいですか？

Which bus should I take?

Dochira no [Noun] ni noru.

エレベーターはどちらにありますか？

Where (in which direction) is the elevator?

Polite location inquiry.

どちらか一つ選んでください。

Please choose one of the two.

Dochira ka = one of the two.

どちらもあまり好きではありません。

I don't like either of them very much.

Negative 'both' = neither.

どちらの案を採用するか、会議で決めましょう。

Let's decide in the meeting which plan to adopt.

Selection in a professional context.

どちらかというと、私はインドア派です。

If I had to say, I'm more of an indoor person.

Dochira ka to iu to = rather/if I had to say.

どちらにしても、連絡をください。

In either case, please contact me.

Dochira ni shite mo = regardless of which/either way.

どちらの大学に行こうか迷っています。

I am wondering which university I should go to.

Expressing indecision between two options.

どちらの方が効率的だと思いますか？

Which one do you think is more efficient?

Dochira no hou ga [Adjective].

どちらが正しいのか、私には分かりません。

I don't know which one is correct.

Dochira ga tadashii = which is right.

どちらの道を通っても、時間は同じです。

Whichever path you take, the time is the same.

Dochira no [Noun] o tootte mo.

どちら様かとお電話を代わりました。

I've changed the phone to [asked] who it was.

Formal office phone etiquette.

どちらの意見にも一理あると思います。

I think both opinions have some truth to them.

Dochira no [Noun] ni mo = in both [Nouns].

どちらを選択しても、リスクは避けられません。

Whichever you choose, risks cannot be avoided.

Formal choice with consequences.

どちらか一方が正しいとは限りません。

It is not necessarily the case that one of the two is correct.

Dochira ka ippou = one of the two.

どちらの政党を支持するかは個人の自由です。

Which political party to support is a matter of personal freedom.

Abstract selection.

どちらの製品も品質に差はありません。

There is no difference in quality between either product.

Comparing quality of two items.

どちらに転んでも、私には有利です。

Whichever way it goes, it's advantageous for me.

Idiom: Dochira ni korondemo = whichever way it turns out.

どちらの可能性も否定できません。

Neither possibility can be denied.

Dochira no kanousei mo.

どちらが犯人か、証拠はまだありません。

As for which is the culprit, there is no evidence yet.

Using dochira in a mystery context.

どちらの陣営も、譲歩する構えは見せていない。

Neither camp has shown any sign of making concessions.

Political/Diplomatic context.

どちらともつかない返事に、彼は苛立ちを覚えた。

He felt frustrated by the non-committal answer.

Dochira to mo tsukanai = vague/neither one thing nor another.

どちらに非があるのか、慎重に判断する必要がある。

It is necessary to carefully judge which side is at fault.

Dochira ni hi ga aru = which is at fault.

どちらの道に進むべきか、人生の岐路に立っている。

I stand at a crossroads in life, wondering which path to take.

Metaphorical use of 'path'.

どちらが主導権を握るかが、今後の鍵となるだろう。

Which side takes the initiative will be the key for the future.

Business strategy context.

どちらの言い分も、主観的なものに過ぎない。

Both claims are nothing more than subjective.

Critical analysis.

どちらか一方が滅びるまで、この争いは続くだろう。

This conflict will likely continue until one of the two is destroyed.

Dramatic/Literary context.

どちらの流儀に従うべきか、門下生たちは戸惑った。

The disciples were confused as to which style they should follow.

Cultural/Traditional context.

どちらの学説も、現時点では仮説の域を出ていない。

Neither theory has moved beyond the realm of hypothesis at this point.

Scientific/Academic context.

どちらを優先すべきかという究極の選択を迫られた。

I was forced to make the ultimate choice of which to prioritize.

Philosophical/Ethical dilemma.

どちらの極端にも走らず、中道を行くことが肝要だ。

It is vital to follow the middle path without leaning toward either extreme.

Philosophical advice.

どちらの勢力が優勢かは、一概には言えない状況だ。

It is a situation where one cannot say for sure which force is dominant.

Strategic analysis.

どちらが勝っても、敗北感は拭えないだろう。

Whichever side wins, the sense of defeat will likely remain.

Nuanced emotional state.

どちらの伝統を継承するかが、この一族の死活問題だ。

Which tradition to inherit is a life-or-death issue for this clan.

High-stakes cultural context.

どちらの解釈も、テクストの深層を捉えきれていない。

Neither interpretation fully captures the deep layers of the text.

Literary criticism.

どちらの道を選ぼうとも、運命からは逃れられない。

No matter which path one chooses, one cannot escape fate.

Fatalistic/Epic context.

Häufige Kollokationen

どちらがおすすめ

どちらにお住まい

どちらでもいい

どちらかといえば

どちらの出身

どちらの方向

どちら様ですか

どちらの案

どちらも大切

どちらへ

Häufige Phrasen

どちらでもいいです

— Either is fine. Used when you don't have a preference.

A: コーヒーと紅茶、どちらがいい？ B: どちらでもいいです。

どちらかというと

— If I had to choose; rather. Used to express a slight preference.

どちらかというと、和食の方が好きです。

どちらも

— Both of them. Used to indicate that both options are included.

どちらも買いたいです。

どちら様でしょうか

— Who is calling? / Who are you? (Very polite).

お電話ありがとうございます。どちら様でしょうか？

どちらにお勤めですか

— Where do you work? (Polite).

失礼ですが、どちらにお勤めですか？

どちらがお好みですか

— Which one do you prefer? (Polite).

ワインは赤と白、どちらがお好みですか？

どちらか選んで

— Choose one (of the two).

好きな方をどちらか選んでください。

どちらに転んでも

— Whichever way it turns out; regardless of the outcome.

どちらに転んでも大丈夫です。

どちらの道

— Which path/way.

どちらの道が駅に近いですか？

どちらのチーム

— Which team.

どちらのチームが勝ちましたか？

Wird oft verwechselt mit

どちら vs どれ (Dore)

Dore is for 3+ items; Dochira is for 2 items.

どちら vs どこ (Doko)

Doko is direct 'where'; Dochira is polite 'where/which direction'.

どちら vs どっち (Docchi)

Docchi is the casual version of Dochira.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"どちらか一方が正しい"

— One or the other is correct. Used in logic or arguments.

どちらか一方が正しいはずだ。

Neutral

"どちらとも言えない"

— Cannot say one way or the other; middle of the road.

その質問には、どちらとも言えません。

Neutral

"どちらつかず"

— Non-committal; ambiguous; straddling the fence.

彼の態度はどちらつかずで困る。

Neutral

"どちらを向いても"

— Whichever way you look; everywhere.

どちらを向いても敵ばかりだ。

Literary

"どちらにせよ"

— In any case; either way.

どちらにせよ、結果は同じだ。

Formal

"どちらが先か"

— Which comes first (the chicken or the egg).

どちらが先か、議論が分かれている。

Neutral

"どちらの味方"

— Whose side (are you on).

君はどちらの味方なんだ？

Neutral

"どちらに軍配が上がるか"

— Which side will be declared the winner (Sumo origin).

どちらに軍配が上がるか楽しみだ。

Formal

"どちらの花も"

— Both flowers (referring to two beautiful things).

どちらの花も綺麗で選べない。

Literary

"どちらの取り分"

— Which one's share.

どちらの取り分が多いかで揉めている。

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

どちら vs いずれ

Both mean 'which' or 'either'.

Izure is much more formal and often used in written documents or very stiff speech. Dochira is the standard polite spoken word.

いずれを選択しても良い。 (Formal)

どちら vs どなた

Both are polite ways to ask 'who'.

Donata is a polite pronoun for 'who'. Dochira (as dochira-sama) is a way to ask 'who' by referring to them as a 'direction' to be extra humble.

あの方はどなたですか？

どちら vs どこ

Both ask for location.

Doko is neutral and direct. Dochira is polite and indirect, literally asking 'which direction'.

駅はどこ？ vs 駅はどちらですか？

どちら vs どれ

Both mean 'which'.

Strictly number-based. Dore = 3+; Dochira = 2.

三つの中でどれがいい？ vs 二つの中でどちらがいい？

どちら vs どっち

They are the same word.

Formality level only. Docchi is for friends; Dochira is for everyone else.

どっちにする？ (Friends)

Satzmuster

AとB、どちらが好きですか？

これとそれ、どちらが好きですか？

[Place]はどちらですか？

出口はどちらですか？

どちらの[Noun]がいいですか？

どちらの部屋がいいですか？

どちら様ですか？

失礼ですが、どちら様ですか？

どちらかというと...

どちらかというと、私は反対です。

どちらにしても...

どちらにしても、後で話しましょう。

どちらの[Noun]も...

どちらのプランも魅力的です。

どちらともつかない...

どちらともつかない態度をとる。

Wortfamilie

Verwandt

こっち (Kocchi - this way, informal)

そっち (Socchi - that way, informal)

あっち (Acchi - that way over there, informal)

どっち (Docchi - which way, informal)

こちら (Kochira - this way, polite)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and business.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'dore' for two items. → どちら (dochira)
Japanese distinguishes between choices of two and choices of three or more.
Asking 'Anata wa dare?' to a stranger. → どちら様ですか？
Asking 'Who are you?' directly is very aggressive in Japanese.
Using 'docchi' in a job interview. → どちら (dochira)
Docchi is too casual for professional environments.
Saying 'Dochira hon?' → どちらの本 (dochira no hon)
Pronouns need 'no' to modify a noun.
Confusing 'dochira' with 'doko' in formal settings. → どちら (dochira)
While 'doko' is grammatically correct, 'dochira' is socially superior in formal contexts.

Tipps

The Safe Choice

When in doubt, use 'dochira'. It is never rude, whereas 'doko' or 'dare' can be.

The Rule of Two

Always use 'dochira' for exactly two items. It shows you have good grammatical control.

Phone Manners

When answering the phone at work, always ask 'dochira-sama deshou ka?'

Asking Directions

Use 'dochira' when asking for the station or a hotel to get a more helpful response.

Comparing Items

Use 'dochira no hou ga [adjective]' to compare two products you are considering.

Hometown Talk

Ask 'Go-shusshin wa dochira desu ka?' to start a polite conversation about origins.

Pitch Perfect

Keep the pitch flat after the first syllable to sound natural.

Both is Best

Remember 'dochira mo' is a very polite way to accept two offers.

Softening Opinions

Use 'dochira ka to iu to' to avoid sounding too opinionated or stubborn.

Kana is King

Stick to hiragana for 'dochira' in almost all written contexts.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Do-Chi-Ra'. 'Do' you want 'Chi' (cheese) or 'Ra' (ramen)? Which of the two?

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person standing at a fork in the road with two signs pointing in different directions. The person is scratching their head saying 'Dochira?'

Word Web

Direction Choice Polite Where Who Two options Keigo Selection

Herausforderung

Try to spend a whole day using 'dochira' instead of 'doko' or 'dore' whenever you have to make a choice or ask for a location.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the ancient Japanese interrogative prefix 'do-' (which/what) combined with the directional suffix '-chira'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally meant 'in which direction' or 'which side'.

Japonic / Old Japanese.

Kultureller Kontext

Always use 'dochira-sama' when you don't know the person you are talking to on the phone; using 'dare' is a serious social faux pas.

English speakers often use 'which' for any number of items, but Japanese strictly separates 'dochira' (2) and 'dore' (3+).

Commonly heard in 'Sumo' when the referee (Gyoji) decides 'dochira' is the winner. Used in the famous game show 'Dochira no Ryori Show' (Dotch Cookery Show). A staple word in samurai dramas (Jidaigeki) when addressing superiors.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Restaurant

どちらになさいますか？
お飲み物はどちらがよろしいですか？
どちらもお願いします。
どちらのサイズにしますか？

Business

どちらの会社の方ですか？
どちらの案を採用しますか？
どちら様でしょうか？
どちらが効率的ですか？

Directions

駅はどちらですか？
どちらの方向ですか？
どちらへ行かれますか？
どちらの出口が近いですか？

Shopping

どちらの色がいいですか？
どちらが安いですか？
どちらも試着したいです。
どちらにしますか？

Socializing

お国はどちらですか？
どちらにお住まいですか？
どちらの大学ですか？
どちらが好きですか？

Gesprächseinstiege

"日本料理とイタリア料理、どちらが好きですか？"

"夏と冬、どちらの方が過ごしやすいですか？"

"海と山、旅行に行くならどちらがいいですか？"

"仕事とプライベート、どちらを優先しますか？"

"朝型と夜型、どちらのタイプですか？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、二つの選択肢で迷ったことはありますか？どちらを選びましたか？

都会に住むのと田舎に住むの、どちらがあなたに合っていると思いますか？

新しい言語を学ぶ時、話すことと書くことのどちらが難しいと感じますか？

過去と未来、どちらかに行けるとしたらどちらに行きたいですか？

犬派と猫派、あなたはどちらですか？その理由も書いてください。

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Grammatically, 'dochira' is for two items. However, in very polite service Japanese, staff might use 'dochira' even for multiple items to sound more respectful than using 'dore'. For learners, it is best to stick to the 'two items' rule.

Both are polite. 'Donata' is a polite version of 'dare' (who). 'Dochira-sama' is even more polite and is typically used when you don't know the person at all, like on the phone or at a reception desk.

Yes, it is used in polite letters and formal writing. In extremely formal or academic writing, 'izure' might be preferred over 'dochira'.

If you choose one, say '[Option] no hou ga ii desu.' If you like both, say 'dochira mo suki desu.' If neither, say 'dochira mo suki dewa arimasen.'

This is a set polite phrase. It literally means 'In which direction is your country?' but it is the standard way to ask 'Where are you from?' respectfully.

Yes, but usually in the form 'dochira-sama'. It is a way of politely asking 'who' without using the direct word 'dare'.

It is not 'rude' among friends, but it is too casual for business or speaking to strangers. Always use 'dochira' in those cases.

It depends on the verb. Common ones are 'ga' (selection), 'e' (direction), 'ni' (destination/decision), and 'no' (possession/modification).

Yes, 何方. However, it is almost always written in hiragana (どちら) in modern Japanese.

It means 'whichever' or 'either one is fine'. It is used when you have no preference between two choices.

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