ないし（は） (naishi ha)

Meaning & usage

ないし（は）connects two words or phrases to mean 'or', often between close numbers or similar alternatives, and can also express a range from one thing to another. It follows nouns or numbers directly, with は optionally added for emphasis, and appears mostly in written or formal contexts.

Example sentences 4

1. 人間にんげんの背骨せぼねは、33ないし34個この骨ほねでできています。

   The human spine consists of 33 or 34 bones.

2. 月に三ないし四回映画を見に行く。

   I go to the movies three or four times a month.

3. バドミントン部はまともな部員が極端に少ないため、ほとんど廃部ないし休部状態だった。

   There were so few proper members in the badminton club that it was half-way between dead and 'on break'.

4. この運動は、フェミニストたちが女性問題について論じるための話の広場ないし演壇のようなものである。

   This movement is like a forum or platform from which feminists speak out on women's issues.