connective N2 uncommon writtenpolite
もしくは — or
もしくは
Meaning
- or — a formal/written 'or' connecting two alternatives, one of which is to be chosen
Key sentence
黒もしくは青のペンで記入してください。
Please fill it in with a black or blue pen.
Formation
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Connects two nouns or clauses (A もしくは B) | A もしくは B | 電話もしくはメール |
When: Formal/written register — forms, rules, official notices; stiffer than または. Avoid in casual speech (use か / とか).
Examples
本人もしくは代理人が手続きを行う。
The person themselves or a proxy carries out the procedure.
現金もしくはカードでお支払いください。
Please pay by cash or card.
Easily confused with
または Both are formal written 'or'; または is the default neutral choice, もしくは is often reserved for a sub-choice or a slightly stiffer/legal tone (legal texts layer them: A または B、もしくは C). あるいは あるいは is formal 'or / alternatively' and can also shade into 'perhaps'; もしくは is purely 'or — pick one'. 〜か か is the everyday spoken 'or' (コーヒーか紅茶); もしくは is its formal written counterpart.
See もしくは in real sentences
Jengo shows もしくは the way you actually meet it: inside real Japanese sentences, so it sticks instead of staying an abstract rule.
Study it in JengoSources Compiled with reference to A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar.