Japanese word

選択肢

Pronunciation

Romajisentakushi

Meaning

  • nounoption

Example

この質問には三つの選択肢があります。ko no shitsu mon ni wa mit tsu no sen taku shi ga a ri ma su

This question has three options.

Illustration for 選択肢 (option)

More examples

困ったときは、別の選択肢も考えてみます。koma tta to ki wa betsu no sen taku shi mo kanga e te mi ma su

When I have trouble, I will consider other options as well.

Core concept

Presents one possible path or answer among several available choices.

Common phrases

  • 選択肢を考えるsen taku shi o kanga e ru

    consider an option

  • 選択肢を提示するsen taku shi o tei ji su ru

    present an option

  • 選択肢を残すsen taku shi o noko su

    keep an option open

Similar words

案an: A plan or proposal that provides one possible way to proceed.
選択sentaku: A particular act or result of choosing from several possibilities.
代案daian: A different plan offered in place of an existing one.

Definition in Japanese

いくつかの中から選んでよいものとして示されるもの。i ku tsu ka no naka ka ra era n de yo i mo no to shi te shime sa re ru mo no

Word origin

選択肢 (sentakushi) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 選 (sen, "choose"), 択 (taku, "select"), and 肢 (shi, "limb or branch").

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, option often appears when a speaker presents a possible course of action without saying that it has been chosen.

Word lists with this word