Meaning
Offers a choice between options; more formal than 〜か〜. Common in notices, forms and instructions.
Formation
- N + または + N: 黒または青のペン; the particle follows the second noun: メールまたは電話で
- It can join clauses in instructions: 電話する、またはメールを送る
- Casual equivalents: 〜か〜; in a question, それとも
When to use it
- Core use
- Or (formal)
Example
黒または青のペンで書いてください
Please write with a black or blue pen.
Important notes
- Pay attention to the word form before the construction and to the particles around it.
Common mistakes
- Do not translate the pattern word for word; first identify its function in the whole situation.