もしくは (moshikuha)

Meaning & usage

もしくは means or and presents two or more different options as alternatives to choose from or to cover. It is a formal conjunction common in written notices, application forms, and business language rather than casual conversation. It is placed directly between nouns, verbs, adjectives, and full clauses in their plain forms, as in 欠席もしくは遅刻 and 来るもしくは来ない. It is not used to rephrase the same idea in other words or to show an approximate number range.

Example sentences 4

1. 彼かれは英語えいご、フランス語ご、もしくはドイツ語ごを話はなせますか？

   Does he speak English, French or German?

2. 過去３週間で、オーストラリアもしくはニュージーランドに行ったことがありますか？

   Have you been to Australia or New Zealand in the past three weeks?

3. 多くの国では、大麻の購入もしくは喫煙は法律で禁じられている。

   In many countries, buying or smoking cannabis is forbidden by law.

4. 解答には理由を付してください。さらに、あなた自身の知識もしくは経験から、関連する事例を含めるようにしてください。

   Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.