Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #1,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

〜または

Top 1,000

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to understand how to connect ideas. While 'matawa' is generally considered a more advanced word due to its formality, an A1 learner might encounter it on simple signs or forms. At this stage, you should think of 'matawa' as a very polite and clear version of 'or'. If you see it on a menu or a sign at a museum, it simply means you have a choice between two things. You don't need to use it in your own speaking yet—stick to the particle 'ka' for now—but recognizing it as 'or' will help you navigate public spaces in Japan. It is often found between two nouns, like 'A matawa B'. Just remember that it is a formal way to say 'this one or that one'.

By the A2 level, you are starting to handle more 'functional' Japanese, such as reading simple instructions or filling out basic forms. You will see 'matawa' frequently in these contexts. For example, a form might ask for your 'Phone number or Email address' using 'matawa'. At this level, you should begin to notice the difference between 'matawa' and 'ka'. While 'ka' is what you use when talking to your teacher or classmates, 'matawa' is what the government or a big company uses when they talk to you. You might start using 'matawa' in very formal writing, such as a basic self-introduction or a formal request, to show that you understand Japanese social registers. It helps make your writing look more organized and professional.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'matawa' correctly in formal situations. This is the level where you move from being a 'student' to being a 'user' of the language in professional or academic settings. You should use 'matawa' in business emails, formal reports, and presentations. You should also understand that 'matawa' is used to connect not just words, but also phrases and clauses. For example, you might say 'You can submit the report by email, or you can bring it to the office.' In Japanese, using 'matawa' here sounds much more appropriate than 'ka'. You should also be aware that 'matawa' is the standard word for 'or' in logical statements and instructions. Mastering 'matawa' at this level shows that you can handle the 'official' side of Japanese life.

At the B2 level, your understanding of 'matawa' should include its logical and structural role in complex sentences. You should be able to distinguish between 'matawa' and its synonyms like 'aruiwa' and 'moshiku wa'. A B2 learner knows that 'matawa' is the primary conjunction for 'or' and is used to structure clear, unambiguous alternatives. You should be able to read and write technical manuals or business contracts where 'matawa' is used to define specific conditions. Furthermore, you should understand the 'inclusive or' nature of 'matawa' in legal contexts—that is, that 'A matawa B' often allows for both A and B unless otherwise specified. Your use of 'matawa' should feel natural in high-level formal speech, such as giving a speech or participating in a debate.

At the C1 level, you are expected to have a nuanced command of formal conjunctions. You should understand the historical and stylistic weight of 'matawa'. You will encounter it in sophisticated literature, high-level academic papers, and complex legal statutes. At this level, you should be able to use 'matawa' to create perfectly balanced formal sentences, paying attention to the rhythm and flow of the text. You should also be fully aware of the hierarchical relationship between 'matawa' and 'moshiku wa' in legal drafting and use them correctly in your own professional writing. A C1 speaker uses 'matawa' not just as a translation for 'or', but as a tool to signal the logical structure and formality of their entire discourse. You can also identify when 'matawa' is used at the beginning of a sentence to provide a formal alternative to a previously stated idea.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like or near-native mastery of 'matawa' and its role in the Japanese language. You understand the subtle differences in tone between 'matawa', 'aruiwa', 'naishi wa', and 'moshiku wa' in various specialized fields such as law, philosophy, and classical literature. You can parse the most complex legal sentences where multiple 'matawa' and 'moshiku wa' are nested, and you can draft such sentences yourself with absolute precision. You also recognize the rhetorical use of 'matawa' in formal oratory to provide weight and emphasis to alternatives. At this level, 'matawa' is not just a word, but a fundamental element of the logical and stylistic architecture of the Japanese language that you can manipulate with ease and sophistication.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

〜または en 30 secondes

Matawa is the formal Japanese word for 'or', primarily used in writing and official speech.
It connects nouns, phrases, and clauses to offer alternatives in a clear, logical manner.
Unlike the casual 'ka', it is the standard for legal documents, manuals, and business emails.
It can also start a sentence to mean 'Alternatively' or 'On the other hand'.

The Japanese term または (Matawa) is a formal conjunction that translates primarily to 'or' or 'alternatively' in English. While English speakers use the word 'or' in almost every context—from choosing a flavor of ice cream to reading a legal contract—Japanese has several ways to express choice, and matawa sits at the more formal end of that spectrum. It is used to connect two or more nouns, phrases, or clauses, indicating that any one of the options is acceptable or applicable. In the hierarchy of Japanese 'or' expressions, か (ka) is the most common and versatile, それとも (soretomo) is used specifically for questions, and または is the standard for written documents, formal announcements, and logical propositions.

Grammatical Category: Conjunction (接続詞 - Setsuzokushi), though often used between nouns like a particle.
Logical Function: Inclusive or Exclusive Disjunction, depending on the context of the legal or formal text.
Register: Formal, Written, Legal, and Academic.

When you encounter または, you are likely looking at a situation where clarity and precision are paramount. It is the language of instructions, laws, and business procedures. For example, a sign might say 'Please pay by cash or credit card.' In Japanese, if this is an official policy posted on a wall, または is the natural choice. It provides a structural 'bridge' between options that feels stable and authoritative. Unlike 'ka', which can feel a bit soft or conversational, または creates a clear logical boundary between the choices provided.

日本語または英語で記入してください。

Translation: Please fill out the form in Japanese or English.

Historically, the word is derived from また (mata) meaning 'again' or 'also' and the topic marker は (wa). This origin hints at its function: 'As for another [option]...' This makes it particularly effective in lists where the speaker wants to emphasize that the second option is an equal alternative to the first. In modern usage, it is almost never used in casual conversation with friends; using it while deciding which movie to watch would sound like you are reading from a legal brief. However, in a professional presentation, it is the perfect tool to outline different strategies or possibilities.

In the context of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or CEFR levels, または is a key marker of B1 (Intermediate) proficiency. It shows that the learner is moving beyond basic daily survival Japanese and into the realm of 'Functional Japanese'—the kind of language needed to navigate society, read manuals, and understand official notices. Understanding the nuance of または also helps in distinguishing it from its close relative もしくは (moshiku wa). While both mean 'or', または is used for the primary, larger groupings of choices, whereas もしくは is often used for sub-choices within a larger group. This level of detail is what separates a fluent speaker from a beginner.

ペンまたは鉛筆を使用してください。

Translation: Please use a pen or a pencil.

Finally, it is important to note that または can connect not just single words, but entire sentences. When used at the beginning of a sentence, it functions like 'Alternatively...' or 'On the other hand...'. This usage is common in technical manuals where one method is described in one paragraph, and an alternative method is introduced in the next. This versatility makes it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to master formal Japanese communication.

Using または correctly requires an understanding of its syntactic placement and the level of formality it conveys. The most basic structure is [Noun A] または [Noun B]. This is the direct equivalent of 'A or B'. However, unlike the particle か, which is attached to the end of the first noun (AかB), または acts more like an independent conjunction that sits between the two elements. This separation provides a rhythmic pause that is characteristic of formal Japanese speech and writing.

Basic Noun Connection: コーヒーまたは紅茶をお選びください。 (Please choose coffee or tea.)
Connecting Phrases: 郵送または持参により提出してください。 (Please submit by mail or by bringing it in person.)
Sentence Initial Use: または、以下の方法も可能です。 (Alternatively, the following method is also possible.)

One of the most important aspects of using または is the 'Level of Choice' rule. In complex legal or technical writing, you might have multiple layers of 'or'. For example: '(Apples or Oranges) or (Carrots or Broccoli)'. In Japanese, the larger, primary division uses または, while the smaller, secondary divisions use もしくは. This hierarchy is strictly followed in the Japanese Civil Code and other legal documents. If you only have one level of choice, または is the standard default for formal writing.

本人または代理人が出席してください。

Translation: The person themselves or a representative must attend.

When connecting verbs or clauses, または often requires the verbs to be in their dictionary form or nominalized form (using こと or の). For instance, 'To stay here or to go home' would be 'ここに残ること、または家に帰ること'. This nominalization ensures that the conjunction is connecting two grammatically equivalent 'blocks'. In very formal contexts, you might see または connecting two complete sentences to offer an alternative course of action. In these cases, it is often followed by a comma to set the stage for the second option.

In terms of logical scope, または is generally inclusive. If a rule says 'You must have a license or a permit,' having both is usually acceptable. However, context is king. In a restaurant menu saying 'Set A or Set B,' it is understood as exclusive—you only get one. Because または is so common in 'if-then' logic and legal requirements, learners should pay close attention to the surrounding particles like は, が, and を, which will clarify exactly what the choices are modifying. Mastering this word allows you to navigate the complexities of Japanese bureaucracy and professional life with much greater ease.

月曜日または火曜日に会議を行います。

Translation: We will hold the meeting on Monday or Tuesday.

You are unlikely to hear または in a casual izakaya or during a relaxed chat with friends. If you do, the speaker is likely being intentionally stiff, perhaps joking about being formal, or discussing a very serious topic like a contract or a medical procedure. Instead, matawa lives in the world of 'Official Japan'. You will hear it in train station announcements, see it on government forms, and read it in the terms of service of every Japanese app you download.

Public Announcements: 'Please use the stairs or the elevator.' (階段またはエレベーターをご利用ください。)
Business Meetings: 'We should consider Plan A or Plan B.' (プランAまたはプランBを検討すべきです。)
News Broadcasts: 'The suspect is a man in his 20s or 30s.' (容疑者は20代または30代の男です。)

In the workplace, または is the standard for internal memos and emails. When a manager sends out an email saying 'Please reply by Friday or Monday morning,' they will almost certainly use または. It signals that the request is part of a formal process. In academic settings, professors use it during lectures to define terms or offer alternative theories. For example, 'This phenomenon is called X, or sometimes Y.' Here, または provides the necessary academic weight to the statement.

メールまたはお電話でご連絡ください。

Translation: Please contact us by email or phone.

Another common place to encounter または is in legal and administrative contexts. Japan's legal system relies heavily on precise language, and または is the workhorse of legislative 'or' statements. If you are applying for a visa, the requirements might list 'A university degree or 10 years of experience.' The word used there will be または. Similarly, in courtrooms or during police questioning, the word is used to ensure that all possibilities are covered without the ambiguity that casual speech might introduce.

Even in the digital world, または is ubiquitous. When you sign up for a Japanese website, the error messages often use it: 'Invalid email or password' (メールアドレスまたはパスワードが正しくありません). It is the language of the interface. For a learner, recognizing または in these contexts is a sign that you are interacting with the 'real' Japanese world, beyond the simplified dialogues of a textbook. It is a bridge to understanding how the society actually functions through its written and formal spoken word.

氏名または住所に変更がある場合...

Translation: In case there is a change in name or address...

The most frequent mistake learners make with または is using it in the wrong register. Because it translates so simply to 'or', many students use it in casual conversation where it sounds jarringly formal. For example, asking a friend 'Do you want to eat pizza or sushi?' using または (ピザまたは寿司を食べたい？) sounds like you are a robot or a lawyer. In this case, か or それとも is much more natural. Remember: matawa is for documents and announcements, not for choosing lunch with friends.

Register Mismatch: Using 'matawa' with friends. Correct: 'ka' or 'soretomo'.
Confusing with 'Soretomo': 'Soretomo' is used to link two separate questions. 'Matawa' links choices within a statement.
Misordering in Lists: Using 'matawa' for sub-choices when 'moshiku wa' should be used for the smaller group.

Another common error is confusing または with それとも (soretomo). While both involve choices, それとも is specifically used to connect two questions or two distinct options in a question format (e.g., 'Is it A? Or is it B?'). または, on the other hand, is used to present options within a single declarative statement or instruction. If you are asking a question, stick to それとも. If you are giving an instruction or stating a fact, または is your best bet.

❌ コーヒーまたは紅茶がいいですか？ (Too formal for a question)
✅ コーヒーか紅茶、どちらがいいですか？

Learners also struggle with the hierarchy of disjunctions. In English, we just keep saying 'or' (A or B or C or D). In formal Japanese, if you have a nested structure, you must use または for the 'big' choice and もしくは for the 'small' choice. For example, if you can choose (Tea or Coffee) OR (Juice or Water), the 'OR' in the middle would be または, and the 'or' inside the parentheses would be もしくは. Failing to do this in a legal or professional context can lead to ambiguity about how the options are grouped.

Lastly, some learners try to use または to mean 'and' in certain contexts, perhaps confused by the 'inclusive or' logic. It is vital to remember that または always implies a choice or an alternative. If you mean 'both A and B', you must use および (oyobi) or ならびに (narabini) in formal contexts, or simply と (to) in casual ones. Mixing up 'and' and 'or' in a contract or a set of instructions can have serious consequences, so double-check that you are indeed offering an alternative when you use または.

❌ 鉛筆または消しゴムを持ってきてください。 (When you actually need both)
✅ 鉛筆と消しゴムを持ってきてください。

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for expressing 'or', each with its own specific nuance and use case. Understanding these alternatives is key to achieving natural-sounding Japanese. The most common alternative is か (ka). This is the 'Swiss Army knife' of choices. It can be used in almost any register, though it leans toward the neutral and casual. Unlike または, か is a particle that attaches directly to the words it connects. It is much more common in spoken language.

か (Ka): General purpose 'or'. Used in both speech and writing. Less formal than 'matawa'.
あるいは (Aruiwa): Similar to 'matawa' but often implies 'perhaps' or 'possibly'. It feels slightly more literary or academic.
もしくは (Moshiku wa): Used for secondary choices within a larger group. Very formal and legalistic.
ないしは (Naishi wa): Often used to indicate a range (e.g., '3 to 5 people') or as a formal 'or'.

When comparing または and あるいは (aruiwa), the difference is subtle but important. または is a straight logical 'or'—it presents two equal options. あるいは, however, carries a slight nuance of 'maybe this, or maybe that'. It is often used when the speaker is suggesting possibilities rather than stating firm alternatives. In academic writing, あるいは is very common when discussing different theories or interpretations. If you want to sound like you are carefully weighing options, あるいは is a sophisticated choice.

ペンまたは鉛筆 (Pen or pencil - Equal alternatives)
ペン、あるいはそれ以外の筆記用具 (Pen, or perhaps some other writing tool - Suggestive)

As mentioned before, もしくは (moshiku wa) is the 'little brother' of または in the world of legal drafting. In a sentence like 'You must submit a passport or a driver's license, or a birth certificate or a resident card,' the structure in Japanese would use または to separate the two main groups and もしくは to separate the items within those groups. This prevents the 'nested or' problem that can make English legal documents so difficult to parse. For most learners, または will be sufficient for 90% of formal writing needs, but knowing もしくは exists is vital for reading official documents.

Finally, それとも (soretomo) is the essential alternative for questions. While または can appear in a question (e.g., 'Is the answer A or B?'), it sounds like a formal exam question. In a natural conversation, if you ask 'Do you want to go today or tomorrow?', you would use それとも to link the two questions: '今日行きますか？それとも明日行きますか？'. Understanding these distinctions allows you to move beyond 'textbook Japanese' and into the nuanced, register-aware language used by native speakers.

コーヒーにしますか？それとも紅茶にしますか？

Translation: Will you have coffee? Or will you have tea?

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"書面または電磁的記録により通知してください。"

Neutre

"ペンまたは鉛筆で記入してください。"

Informel

"ピザか寿司、どっちにする？"

Child friendly

"あか、または、あおの色えんぴつを使ってね。"

Argot

"N/A"

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient Japanese, 'mata' was often used to link sentences in poetry. The addition of 'wa' solidified its role as a logical connector, moving it from the realm of literature into the realm of law and logic during the Meiji era modernization.

Guide de prononciation

UK ma-ta-wa

US mɑ-tɑ-wɑ

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. 'Matawa' typically has a flat accent (Heiban), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after an initial slight rise.

Rime avec

Kawa (river) Niwa (garden) Kiwa (edge) Iwa (rock) Sawa (marsh) Awa (bubble) Fuwa (softly) Kuwa (hoe)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like 'ma-TA-wa' with English-style stress on the second syllable.
Eliding the 'a' sounds, making it sound like 'mat-wa'.
Using a rising intonation at the end as if it were a question.
Pronouncing the 'w' too heavily like a 'v'.
Making the 't' sound too aspirated (like 't-ha').

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know it means 'or'.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal registers to use correctly.

Expression orale 5/5

Difficult to use naturally because it is often too formal for speech.

Écoute 3/5

Common in announcements, so important for comprehension.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

か (ka) と (to) また (mata) は (wa) それとも (soretomo)

Apprends ensuite

もしくは (moshiku wa) あるいは (arui wa) ないしは (naishi wa) および (oyobi) ならびに (narabini)

Avancé

法律用語 (Legal terminology) 公文書 (Official documents) 論理学 (Logic) 接続詞の使い分け (Proper use of conjunctions)

Grammaire à connaître

Connecting Nouns with 'Matawa'

AまたはB

Connecting Nominalized Verbs

Aすること、またはBすること

Sentence Initial Conjunction

または、〜。

Hierarchy of 'Or' (Matawa vs Moshiku wa)

(AもしくはB) または (CもしくはD)

Inclusive Or in Logic

AまたはB (Either or both)

Exemples par niveau

ペンまたは鉛筆を使ってください。

Please use a pen or a pencil.

Connects two simple nouns (pen and pencil).

コーヒーまたは紅茶をどうぞ。

Please have some coffee or tea.

Used in a polite offer.

月曜日または火曜日に来てください。

Please come on Monday or Tuesday.

Connects two days of the week.

バスまたは電車で行きます。

I will go by bus or train.

Connects two modes of transportation.

日本語または英語で話しましょう。

Let's speak in Japanese or English.

Connects two languages.

りんごまたはオレンジを買います。

I will buy an apple or an orange.

Connects two types of fruit.

右または左に曲がってください。

Please turn right or left.

Connects two directions.

お父さんまたはお母さんと来てください。

Please come with your father or mother.

Connects two family members.

メールまたは電話で連絡してください。

Please contact us by email or phone.

Standard formal request for contact.

名前または番号を書いてください。

Please write your name or number.

Common instruction on a form.

現金またはカードで払えます。

You can pay with cash or a card.

Explaining payment options.

学生または先生が参加します。

Students or teachers will participate.

Connects two groups of people.

午前または午後に会議があります。

There is a meeting in the morning or afternoon.

Connects two time periods.

窓またはドアを開けてください。

Please open the window or the door.

Connects two objects.

東京または大阪に住んでいます。

I live in Tokyo or Osaka.

Connects two locations.

黒または青のペンを使ってください。

Please use a black or blue pen.

Connects two colors of the same object.

本人が出席すること、または代理人を立てることが必要です。

It is necessary for the person to attend or to appoint a representative.

Connects two nominalized clauses using 'koto'.

報告書はPDF形式またはWord形式で提出してください。

Please submit the report in PDF or Word format.

Specifying file formats in a business context.

この規則は、社員またはその家族に適用されます。

This rule applies to employees or their families.

Defining the scope of a rule.

身分証明書またはパスポートを提示してください。

Please present your ID card or passport.

Formal requirement for identification.

または、別の方法を検討することも可能です。

Alternatively, it is also possible to consider another method.

Used at the beginning of a sentence to offer an alternative.

地震または火災の際は、階段を使ってください。

In case of an earthquake or fire, please use the stairs.

Safety instructions connecting two emergency scenarios.

この商品は、店舗またはオンラインで購入できます。

This product can be purchased in-store or online.

Explaining purchasing options.

氏名または住所に変更がある場合は、届け出てください。

If there is a change in your name or address, please report it.

Standard administrative instruction.

契約の解除は、書面または電磁的記録によって行うものとする。

Cancellation of the contract shall be performed by writing or electromagnetic record.

Legal phrasing using 'mono to suru'.

本規約は、予告なしに変更または廃止されることがあります。

These terms may be changed or abolished without notice.

Formal passive voice with 'matawa'.

損害賠償の請求は、本人またはその法定代理人が行うことができる。

A claim for damages can be made by the individual or their legal representative.

Legal rights and permissions.

公序良俗に反する行為、または他人に迷惑をかける行為を禁止します。

Acts contrary to public order and morals, or acts that cause trouble to others, are prohibited.

Connecting two complex noun phrases.

大学卒業、またはそれと同等の学力を有すると認められる者。

Persons who have graduated from university or are recognized as having equivalent academic ability.

Educational requirements in formal job listings.

天災地変または不可抗力により、履行が遅延した場合...

In the event that performance is delayed due to natural disasters or force majeure...

Legal terminology for unforeseen events.

この法律は、公布の日または別に定める日から施行する。

This law shall come into force from the date of promulgation or a date specified separately.

Standard legislative phrasing for effective dates.

故意または重大な過失によって生じた損害については...

Regarding damages caused by intent or gross negligence...

Defining legal liability.

当該行為が、法令または定款に違反するかどうかを調査する。

Investigate whether the act in question violates laws and regulations or the articles of incorporation.

Corporate governance terminology.

本件は、民事訴訟または刑事訴訟の対象となり得る。

This matter could be the subject of civil or criminal litigation.

Distinguishing between legal categories.

著作者の許諾を得ることなく、複製または公衆送信を行うことは禁じられている。

Reproducing or transmitting to the public without the author's permission is prohibited.

Intellectual property law phrasing.

または、既存の理論を再構築するというアプローチも考えられる。

Alternatively, an approach of reconstructing existing theories is also conceivable.

Academic discourse offering a sophisticated alternative.

債務者がその債務を履行しないとき、または履行が不能となったとき...

When the debtor does not perform their obligation, or when performance becomes impossible...

Contractual conditions in formal legal Japanese.

思想または良心の自由は、これを侵してはならない。

Freedom of thought or conscience shall not be violated.

Constitutional language (Article 19 of the Japanese Constitution).

書面による通知、またはこれに代わる電子メールによる通知をもって...

By notice in writing, or by notice by email in lieu thereof...

Formal substitution phrasing in contracts.

本契約の解釈に疑義が生じた場合、または定めのない事項については...

In the event of any doubt regarding the interpretation of this contract, or for matters not provided for herein...

Standard 'catch-all' clause in Japanese contracts.

権利の行使または義務の履行は、信義に従い誠実に行わなければならない。

The exercise of rights or the performance of duties must be carried out in good faith and with sincerity.

The principle of Good Faith (Shingi-seijitsu no gensoku) in the Civil Code.

裁判所は、申立てにより、または職権で、必要な処分を命ずることができる。

The court may, upon petition or ex officio, order necessary measures.

Legal procedural language regarding judicial authority.

本規定の適用除外、または特例措置に関する詳細なガイドラインを策定する。

Formulate detailed guidelines regarding exemptions from these provisions or special measures.

High-level administrative policy drafting.

または、現象学的視座から、あるいは構造主義的文脈において再考を促す。

Alternatively, it prompts a reconsideration from a phenomenological perspective, or within a structuralist context.

Highly academic sentence using multiple formal conjunctions.

当該行為が、競争を実質的に制限することとなる場合、または不公正な取引方法に該当する場合...

In cases where the act in question substantially restricts competition, or falls under unfair trade practices...

Antimonopoly law terminology.

事変または経済事情の激変により、本契約の継続が著しく困難となったとき...

When the continuation of this contract becomes remarkably difficult due to an incident or a drastic change in economic circumstances...

Extraordinary circumstances clause in international contracts.

個人の尊厳、または両性の本質的平等に立脚した立法を行うべきである。

Legislation should be enacted based on the dignity of the individual or the essential equality of the sexes.

Philosophical and constitutional legislative theory.

または、歴史的必然性、あるいは偶然の連鎖という二律背反の議論に終止符を打つ。

Alternatively, it puts an end to the antinomic debate between historical necessity and a chain of coincidences.

Sophisticated literary and philosophical usage.

Collocations courantes

AまたはB

書面または口頭で

本人または代理人

メールまたは電話

故意または過失

氏名または名称

国内または国外

変更または中止

有効または無効

同意または承諾

Phrases Courantes

またはそれ以上

またはそれに準ずる

またはその逆

または以下の通り

またはその他の

または何らかの

または同等の

または一部の

または特定の

または必要に応じて

Souvent confondu avec

〜または vs それとも

Soretomo is for questions; Matawa is for statements.

〜または vs もしくは

Moshiku wa is for smaller sub-choices; Matawa is for primary choices.

〜または vs あるいは

Aruiwa implies 'perhaps'; Matawa is a direct logical 'or'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"生か死か、または..."

Life or death, or... Used in dramatic or philosophical contexts to present ultimate choices.

生か死か、または自由か。

Literary

"善か悪か、または..."

Good or evil, or... Used to discuss moral dilemmas.

それは善か悪か、またはその中間か。

Philosophical

"成功か失敗か、または..."

Success or failure, or... Used when discussing high-stakes outcomes.

成功か失敗か、または現状維持か。

Business/Formal

"真か偽か、または..."

True or false, or... Used in logic or computer science.

結果は真か偽か、またはエラーか。

Technical

"右か左か、または..."

Right or left, or... Used to describe a crossroads or decision point.

右か左か、または真っ直ぐか。

Neutral

"敵か味方か、または..."

Friend or foe, or... Used to describe uncertain alliances.

彼は敵か味方か、またはスパイか。

Dramatic

"夢か現実か、または..."

Dream or reality, or... Used in poetic descriptions.

これは夢か現実か、または幻か。

Literary

"過去か未来か、または..."

Past or future, or... Used in science fiction or philosophical debates.

過去か未来か、または現在か。

Academic

"愛か憎しみか、または..."

Love or hate, or... Used in emotional or literary analysis.

愛か憎しみか、または無関心か。

Literary

"勝つか負けるか、または..."

Win or lose, or... Used in sports or competitive contexts.

勝つか負けるか、または引き分けか。

Neutral

Facile à confondre

〜または vs および

Both are formal conjunctions.

Oyobi means 'and'; Matawa means 'or'.

ペンおよび鉛筆 (Pen and pencil) vs ペンまたは鉛筆 (Pen or pencil).

〜または vs ならびに

Both are used in legal texts.

Narabini is a formal 'and'; Matawa is a formal 'or'.

AならびにB (A and B).

〜または vs かつ

Both are used in logic.

Katsu means 'and/simultaneously'; Matawa means 'or/alternatively'.

AかつB (A and B).

〜または vs ないしは

Both mean 'or'.

Naishi wa often indicates a range (from A to B).

3名ないしは5名 (3 to 5 people).

〜または vs か

Both mean 'or'.

Ka is a particle; Matawa is a conjunction. Ka is less formal.

AかB (A or B).

Structures de phrases

Noun A または Noun B

お茶または水。

Noun A または Noun B を Verb

ペンまたは鉛筆を使ってください。

Phrase A または Phrase B

メールで送る、または直接持ってくる。

または、Sentence

または、別の方法もあります。

Clause A こと、または Clause B こと

本人が来ること、または代理人が来ること。

A、B または C

赤、青、または黄色。

A もしくは B、または C もしくは D

Nested choices in legal text.

A または B に基づく C

法律または規則に基づく処分。

Famille de mots

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in written/formal contexts; Low in casual speech.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'matawa' in a casual chat about dinner. → Use 'ka' or 'soretomo'.
'Matawa' is too formal for choosing food with friends.
Using 'matawa' to connect two questions. → Use 'soretomo'.
'Soretomo' is the specific conjunction for linking questions.
Using 'matawa' for sub-choices in a legal list. → Use 'moshiku wa'.
'Moshiku wa' is reserved for the lower-level choices in a hierarchy.
Repeating 'matawa' (A matawa B matawa C). → A、B、またはC.
Standard Japanese punctuation uses commas for the first items and the conjunction for the last.
Using 'matawa' when you mean 'and'. → Use 'oyobi' or 'to'.
'Matawa' always implies a choice, not a combination.

Astuces

Use in Forms

When filling out or creating a form, always use 'または' to separate choices like 'Male or Female' or 'Email or Phone'.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'または' in casual texts or emails to friends; it makes you sound like you're writing a law.

Legal Hierarchy

Remember: Matawa is the 'Big Or', Moshiku wa is the 'Small Or'. Use them in that order for nested lists.

Formal Presentations

In a presentation, use 'または' to present different strategies to show you have thought through the alternatives.

Announcement Clues

When you hear 'matawa' in a train station, pay attention—it's giving you an alternative route or instruction.

Inclusive Logic

Assume 'matawa' is inclusive unless the situation clearly dictates that you can only choose one.

Email Professionalism

Using 'または' in an email to a superior shows that you are organized and respectful of formal conventions.

Synonym Awareness

Learn 'aruiwa' alongside 'matawa' to expand your formal writing range.

Official Japan

Recognizing 'matawa' is a key step in understanding 'Official Japan'—the language of rules and systems.

JLPT Strategy

In JLPT reading sections, 'または' often links the correct answer to an alternative mentioned in the text.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Mata' (Again) + 'Wa' (Topic). It's like saying, 'Again, as for this topic, here is another choice.'

Association visuelle

Imagine a fork in a formal, paved road. One path is labeled 'A', the other 'B', and a sign in the middle says 'MATAWA' in bold, official letters.

Word Web

Choice Alternative Formal Legal Business Manual Logic Conjunction

Défi

Try to write three formal sentences using 'matawa' to describe your daily routine at work. For example: 'I check my email or (matawa) I attend a meeting.'

Origine du mot

The word is a compound of the adverb 'mata' (又), meaning 'again', 'also', or 'furthermore', and the topic marker 'wa' (は). It first appeared in the Heian period as a way to introduce an additional or alternative point.

Sens originel : As for another [option] / Also, as for...

Japonic

Contexte culturel

There are no specific sensitivities, but using 'matawa' in a very casual setting can make you sound cold, distant, or overly robotic.

English speakers often use 'or' for everything. In Japanese, you must switch between 'ka' (casual/neutral), 'soretomo' (questions), and 'matawa' (formal/written).

The Japanese Constitution (Nihonkoku Kenpou) uses 'matawa' extensively to define rights and duties. The Civil Code of Japan (Minpou) is the primary source for the 'matawa vs. moshiku wa' hierarchy. Official government announcements during the COVID-19 pandemic frequently used 'matawa' for safety instructions.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Filling out official forms

氏名または名称
住所または居所
電話番号またはメールアドレス
本人または代理人

Reading a manual or instructions

AまたはBを押してください
電池またはACアダプター
設定またはオプション
変更または削除

Business emails

金曜日または来週の月曜日
PDFまたはWord形式
ご来社またはオンライン会議
承諾または拒否

Legal contracts

解除または解約
故意または過失
書面または電磁的方法
有効または無効

Public announcements

階段またはエレベーター
1番線または2番線
中止または延期
マスクまたはフェイスシールド

Amorces de conversation

"会議は月曜日、または火曜日のどちらがよろしいでしょうか？"

"資料は郵送、またはメールでお送りしましょうか？"

"お支払いは現金、またはクレジットカードのどちらになさいますか？"

"ご連絡は電話、またはメールのどちらがご都合よろしいですか？"

"このプラン、またはあちらのプラン、どちらを検討されますか？"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、仕事または学校でどのような選択（または）をしましたか？

将来、日本または他の国で働きたいですか？その理由を書いてください。

健康のために、運動または食事制限のどちらが重要だと思いますか？

新しい言語を学ぶとき、話すこと、または書くことのどちらが難しいですか？

成功するためには、才能または努力のどちらが必要だと思いますか？

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds very formal, like an exam question. For example, 'AまたはBのどちらが正しいですか？' (Which is correct, A or B?). In daily life, use 'soretomo' or 'ka'.

In formal legal writing, 'matawa' is used for the larger, primary group of choices, while 'moshiku wa' is used for smaller sub-choices within those groups. If there is only one level of choice, use 'matawa'.

Yes, it can be used to start a sentence, meaning 'Alternatively' or 'Or else'. This is common in manuals or formal explanations.

In most logical and legal contexts, it is inclusive (meaning 'A, B, or both'), but context can make it exclusive (like a menu choice).

Yes, but the verbs should be nominalized using 'koto' or 'no'. For example, '食べる、または飲む' is usually written as '食べること、または飲むこと' in formal texts.

It is common in formal speech like announcements, lectures, or business presentations, but rare in casual conversation.

In writing, a comma is often placed after 'matawa' if it starts a sentence or if the phrases being connected are long.

It is better to write 'A、B、またはC'. Repeating 'matawa' is considered poor style.

'Aruiwa' is slightly more literary and can mean 'perhaps'. 'Matawa' is more strictly a logical 'or'.

Use 'AまたはB' to sound professional and clear.