Definition
抑或 is a formal/literary conjunction used either to present alternatives (equivalent to 'or else') or to pose a speculative, rhetorical question (equivalent to 'could it be that …?'). It carries a classical, written tone and is not common in everyday conversation; you'll encounter it in essays, news editorials, and formal speeches.
conj.
(literary) oror else (presenting an alternative)(literary) could it be that …? (rhetorical or speculative question)
Examples
- ，抑或。Zhège wèntí hěn fùzá, yì huò nǐ hái méi xiǎng míngbai.This problem is very complex; or else you haven't fully understood it.
- ，抑或？Tā dào xiànzài hái méi lái, yì huò chū le shénme shì?He still hasn't arrived; could it be that something happened?
- ，抑或？Wǒmen yīngdāng jìxù děngdài, yì huò gǎibiàn cèlüè?Should we continue waiting, or change our strategy?
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