HSK 3
N1 或者 N2
N1 huòzhě N2
either N1 or N2
Structure
Option A + 或者 + Option B
How it works
The word '或者' (huòzhě) is used to express 'or' in declarative sentences to provide options or alternatives. Unlike '还是' (háishi), which is used for questions, '或者' is strictly for statements where the specific choice doesn't matter or multiple options are possible.
Examples
我周末喜欢在家看书或者睡觉。
Wǒ zhōumò xǐhuān zài jiā kànshū huòzhě shuìjiào.
On weekends, I like to read books or sleep at home.
你可以坐地铁或者打车去机场。
Nǐ kěyǐ zuò dìtiě huòzhě dǎchē qù jīchǎng.
You can take the subway or take a taxi to the airport.
如果你感冒了，喝热水或者吃药都会好一点。
Rúguǒ nǐ gǎnmào le, hē rèshuǐ huòzhě chī yào dūhuì hǎo yīdiǎn.
If you have a cold, drinking hot water or taking medicine will both help.
Common mistakes
Using '或者' in a question instead of '还是' (e.g., saying '你想喝茶或者咖啡吗？' is incorrect).
Tip
Remember: '或者' is for statements (making a point), while '还是' is for questions (making a choice).
More HSK 3 grammar
See N1 或者 N2 in real Chinese
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