# それとも: or; or else

> Learn how to use それとも, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning or; or else, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-soretomo/

**それとも** means **or; or else**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **connect alternative questions or choices**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **connect alternative questions or choices**, **それとも** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does それとも mean?

Use **それとも** when you want to **connect alternative questions or choices**.

Natural translations include:
- or; or else
- or
- or / or else

## How to form それとも

Question A + それとも + Question B

Examples of the pattern:
- 行きますか、それとも残りますか
- 電車ですか、それともバスですか
- 今日ですか、それとも明日ですか

## When is それとも used?

Use **それとも** in situations like:
- offering choices
- asking either-or questions
- clarifying alternatives

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## それとも example sentences

- コーヒーにしますか、それとも紅茶にしますか。 — Will you have coffee, or tea?
- 電車で行きますか。それともバスで行きますか。 — Will you go by train, or by bus?
- 今日会いますか、それとも明日にしますか。 — Shall we meet today, or make it tomorrow?
- 映画を見ますか。それとも買い物に行きますか。 — Will we watch a movie, or go shopping?
- 一人で行くの？それとも友達と行くの？ — Are you going alone, or with friends?

## Nuance of それとも

The key nuance is **choice between alternatives, especially in questions**.

This matters because **それとも** does more than translate one English phrase. It shows how the speaker connects ideas, evaluates a situation, or frames the sentence for the listener.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[または](/blog/n4-matawa/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## それとも vs または

Both **それとも** and **[または](/blog/n4-matawa/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**それとも**:
- means **or; or else**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[または](/blog/n4-matawa/)**:
- または is written “or”; それとも is common in spoken either-or questions

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: コーヒーにしますか、それとも紅茶にしますか。 — Will you have coffee, or tea?
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[または](/blog/n4-matawa/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with それとも

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it to list more than two unrelated items awkwardly
- Using it in statements where または is better
- Forgetting that it often connects questions

## Is それとも on the JLPT?

Yes. **それとも** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for それとも

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Ask coffee or tea.
- Ask train or bus.
- Ask today or tomorrow.

## Learning path for それとも

To learn **それとも** efficiently, review simple lists first, then practice whether you are giving examples, vague alternatives, or choices.

1. First, make sure you can form **それとも** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [なんか / なんて / など](/blog/n3-nanka-nante-nado/), [か何か（かなにか）](/blog/n3-ka-nani-ka/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences that introduce examples without overcommitting; then check whether replacing **それとも** with [例えば（たとえば）](/blog/n3-tatoeba/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [なんか / なんて / など](/blog/n3-nanka-nante-nado/) — because it helps you list, introduce, or choose among examples.
- [か何か（かなにか）](/blog/n3-ka-nani-ka/) — because it helps you list, introduce, or choose among examples.
- [例えば（たとえば）](/blog/n3-tatoeba/) — because it helps you list, introduce, or choose among examples.
- [とか～とか](/blog/n4-toka-toka/) — because it helps you list, introduce, or choose among examples.

## Learn それとも with Hane

If you want to review **それとも** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)