Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| chaque | /ʃak/ |
| les deux | |
| l'un ou l'autre |
The translation depends on whether you are referring to each of two items, choosing between two options or using "either" in a negative sentence. To express "each of two", use chaque. To express a choice between two options, use l'un ou l'autre or the conjunctions ou, soit or soit … ou.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase l'un ou l'autre literally breaks down into "the one or the other".
Which one should you use?
While chaque emphasizes the individual members of a group, l'un ou l'autre is used when emphasizing a choice between two specific options.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, you may encounter the phrase soit… ou… used to express "either" instead of the more standard soit… soit…
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using "either" at the end of a negative sentence to mean "also not", you must use non plus instead of aussi.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃak/
Did you know?
- The word chaque is actually a 'backformation', meaning it was created by stripping part of the word chacun to make a shorter version.
- The phrase l'un ou l'autre can change meaning to 'one of the two' depending on whether the following verb is singular or plural.
Examples in context
- Choisis l'un ou l'autre.Choose either one or the other.This sentence is useful for showing how to use l'un ou l'autre for making a choice.Tatoeba #1398745 by Delapouite, translation #72931 by CK
- Je ne les aime pas tous les deux.I do not like either of them.This sentence is useful for showing how to express "either of them" in a negative context using les deux.Tatoeba #562652 by sacredceltic, translation #325745 by Lumi
- Tu peux prendre l'un ou l'autre livre.You can take either book.This sentence is useful for showing how to use l'un ou l'autre to modify a noun.Tatoeba #928508 by sacredceltic, translation #37925 by CK
- Vous pouvez choisir soit le café, soit le thé.You can choose either coffee or tea.
- Vous pouvez prendre l'un ou l'autre des livres sur l'étagère.You can take either of the books on the shelf.
- Soit tu viens chez moi, soit nous pouvons nous retrouver au parc.Either you come to my place, or we can meet at the park.
- Soit tu l'appelles ou tu lui envoies un message.Either you call him or send him a message.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are choosing a movie to watch.
- GabrielOn regarde lequel de ces deux films ?Which of these two movies are we watching?
- ManonChaque film a l'air très intéressant.Either movie looks very interesting.
- GabrielTu préfères celui-ci ou celui-là ?Do you prefer this one or that one?
- ManonPeu importe, je les aime tous les deux.It doesn't matter, I like them both.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “either” translations and entries chaque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chaque, deux, les, ou, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
