或者
Or
Wörtlich: Perhaps/Maybe + Or
Use `或者` to list options in statements; use `还是` to ask for a choice in questions.
In 15 Sekunden
- Use it for 'or' in statements, never in direct questions.
- Connects nouns, verbs, or phrases to show multiple possibilities.
- Creates a flexible, polite tone in both speech and writing.
Bedeutung
This is your go-to word for 'or' when you are making a statement or describing possibilities. It's the way you tell someone your plans aren't set in stone yet.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Planning the weekend
我们星期六或者星期天去。
We will go on Saturday or Sunday.
Ordering a side dish
你可以选米饭或者面条。
You can choose rice or noodles.
Professional email
我们可以通过电话或者邮件联系。
We can contact each other via phone or email.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The word reflects the Chinese preference for 'liú yú dì' (leaving room for maneuver). By using this word, you avoid being overly assertive, which is a key social lubricant in Chinese interpersonal relationships. It has been the standard declarative 'or' since the modernization of the language in the early 20th century.
The Question Trap
Never use `或者` in a 'Which one?' question. It's the #1 mistake. Use `还是` for questions!
Double it up
You can say `或者...或者...` to sound more like you are brainstorming. It's very natural!
In 15 Sekunden
- Use it for 'or' in statements, never in direct questions.
- Connects nouns, verbs, or phrases to show multiple possibilities.
- Creates a flexible, polite tone in both speech and writing.
What It Means
或者 (huòzhě) is the most common way to say 'or' in Chinese. It connects two or more options in a declarative sentence. Think of it as the 'or' of possibilities. It tells your listener that multiple paths are available. It is calm, informative, and flexible. Use it when you aren't asking a question but sharing information.
How To Use It
Place 或者 between your choices. It works for nouns, verbs, or entire phrases. For example, 'I want tea 或者 coffee.' It can even appear twice for emphasis: '或者 A, 或者 B.' This sounds like you are weighing options out loud. It’s very straightforward and follows a similar logic to English grammar. Just remember it’s for statements, not questions!
When To Use It
You use this when you are planning your day. Use it when giving someone advice or options. It’s perfect for work emails when suggesting meeting times. It’s great for menus when explaining what comes with a meal. If you are texting a friend about weekend plans, this is your best friend. It keeps things open-ended and polite. It shows you are flexible and easy-going.
When NOT To Use It
This is the biggest trap for beginners! Do NOT use 或者 in a question where you want someone to choose. If you ask 'Do you want tea or coffee?' you must use 还是 (háishì) instead. Using 或者 in a question makes it sound like a statement with a rising tone. It feels confusing to a native speaker. Also, don't use it to mean 'otherwise' in a threatening way. Stick to lists of possibilities.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values indirectness and flexibility. Using 或者 allows you to offer options without being too demanding. It leaves 'face' for the other person to decide. Historically, the character 或 meant 'perhaps.' Combining it with 者 (a person or thing) creates a sense of 'this thing or perhaps that thing.' It reflects a mindset of keeping options open. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a shrug and a smile.
Common Variations
In very formal writing, you might see just 或. It’s shorter and punchier for news headlines. In casual speech, people sometimes add 吧 at the end of the sentence. This makes the suggestion feel even softer. You might also hear 或者是 (huòzhě shì). This is just a slightly longer version that means 'or it is.' It doesn't change the meaning, just adds a bit of rhythmic filler.
Nutzungshinweise
The primary rule is the statement vs. question distinction. Use `或者` for options in a declarative context and `还是` for choices in an interrogative context.
The Question Trap
Never use `或者` in a 'Which one?' question. It's the #1 mistake. Use `还是` for questions!
Double it up
You can say `或者...或者...` to sound more like you are brainstorming. It's very natural!
The Polite 'Or'
Native speakers use `或者` to avoid sounding bossy. It makes your suggestions feel like 'just an idea' rather than a command.
Beispiele
6我们星期六或者星期天去。
We will go on Saturday or Sunday.
Shows a flexible schedule for a future plan.
你可以选米饭或者面条。
You can choose rice or noodles.
Commonly used by servers to explain menu options.
我们可以通过电话或者邮件联系。
We can contact each other via phone or email.
Standard professional way to offer communication channels.
看电影或者去逛街，我都可以。
Watching a movie or going shopping, I'm fine with either.
Uses the phrase to show you aren't picky.
我要么变瘦，或者我继续吃火锅。
I'll either get thin, or I'll keep eating hotpot.
Used here to present two hilariously opposing life paths.
如果你难过，可以给我打电话或者来我家。
If you are sad, you can call me or come to my house.
Provides comforting alternatives to a friend in need.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct word to complete the statement about breakfast.
我早餐吃面包 ___ 包子。
Since this is a statement about what you eat, not a question, '或者' is the correct choice.
Decide which word fits a plan to meet a colleague.
我们下午三点 ___ 四点见面？
This is a question asking for a choice between two times, so '还是' is required instead of '或者'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 或者
Talking to family about dinner
披萨或者汉堡？
The standard way to use the word
喝茶或者咖啡。
Written contracts or news
邮件或电话通知。
Where to use 或者
Work Email
Suggesting times
Restaurant
Side dish options
Texting
Weekend plans
Advice
Giving suggestions
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 Fragen或者 is for statements like 'I want A or B.' 还是 is for questions like 'Do you want A or B?'
Yes, you can start a sentence with it to offer an alternative to a previous thought, like 或者，我们可以明天去 (Or, we could go tomorrow).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or your best friend without any issues.
Absolutely! You can say A, B 或者 C. Just put it before the last item, just like in English.
Yes, but usually only in writing or very formal speeches. In daily conversation, always use the full two-syllable 或者.
Individually, 或 can mean 'perhaps,' but 或者 specifically functions as the conjunction 'or' in modern Chinese.
People will likely understand you, but it will sound like you are making a guess rather than asking for their preference.
Yes, for example: 我不喜欢红色或者蓝色 (I don't like red or blue). It works perfectly fine.
Not really. It's such a fundamental word that people don't really use slang for it, though they might mumble it quickly.
You can use 要么...要么... for a stricter 'either/or' choice, but 或者 is often sufficient for general options.
Verwandte Redewendungen
还是
Or (used in questions)
要么
Either / Or (more forceful)
或者说
Or to put it another way
或者是
Or it is / Or perhaps
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