ConjunctionsHSK 3
Expressing "or" with 或
或 connects two or more alternatives in a sentence, similar to "or" in English.
It is more formal and written in tone than the everyday connector 还是, so it often appears in multiple-choice questions, written statements, and set phrases.
Structure
A + 或 + B
Links alternatives; A and B can be nouns, verbs, or whole clauses.
A + 或 + B + 或 + C
Three or more alternatives can be joined by repeating 或.
Examples
- 你想喝茶或咖啡？Nǐ xiǎng hē chá huò kā fēi?Do you want tea or coffee?
- 周末我们可以去图书馆或公园。Zhōu mò wǒ men kě yǐ qù tú shū guǎn huò gōng yuán.On the weekend we can go to the library or the park.
- 请选择A、B或C。Qǐng xuǎn zé A, B huò C.Please choose A, B, or C.
- 你可以打电话或发邮件联系我。Nǐ kě yǐ dǎ diàn huà huò fā yóu jiàn lián xì wǒ.You can call me or send me an email to get in touch.
- 我不知道他会同意或反对。Wǒ bù zhī dào tā huì tóng yì huò fǎn duì.I don't know whether he will agree or oppose it.