Japanese Conversation · Level 25
90 words
Japanese word
もしくは
Pronunciation
Romajimoshikuwa
Meaning
- conjunctionor
Example
電車もしくはバスで行きます。den sha mo shi ku wa ba su de i ki ma su
I will go by train or bus.
More examples
予約は電話、もしくはメールで受け付けています。yo yaku wa den wa mo shi ku wa mē ru de u ke tsu ke te i ma su
We accept reservations by phone or email.
Core concept
Presents two or more alternatives, leaving one of them as the choice or possibility.
Common phrases
電車、もしくはバスden sha mo shi ku wa ba su
train or bus
電話、もしくはメールden wa mo shi ku wa mē ru
phone or email
Similar words
それともsoretomo: Introduces another choice in a question after one option has been mentioned.
Definition in Japanese
二つ以上の事柄のうち、いずれかを選ぶことや、いずれかであることを表す語。futa tsu i jō no koto gara no u chi i zu re ka o era bu ko to ya i zu re ka de a ru ko to o arawa su go
Word origin
The conjunction もしくは (moshikuwa) is traditionally written 若しくは (moshikuwa) and comes from 若し (moshi, "if") with くは (ku wa), an older connective form.
Usage tips
- In everyday conversation, か (ka) often joins simple choices, while もしくは (moshikuwa) gives the same choice a more formal tone.