これかあれ
kore ka are
The English phrase "this or that" is translated into Japanese as これかあれ (kore ka are).
This phrase is used to indicate a choice between two specific objects.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kore (this), ka (the question particle used here as "or") and are (that).
Which one should you use?
これかあれ implies a choice between something near the speaker and something far from both the speaker and the listener. In contrast, if the "that" refers to something near the listener rather than far from both people, you should use これかそれ.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are choosing between something near the speaker and something near the listener, use これかそれ instead of これかあれ.
How do you pronounce it?
kore ka are
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, pointing directly at an object while saying これ or あれ can be considered rude in formal settings, so people often use a subtle nod or an open palm gesture instead.
- The word あれ (are) is often used in Japanese to refer to something that has been forgotten or is 'over there' in one's memory, adding a layer of 'that' that refers to time rather than just space.
- The words これ and あれ are part of the 'ko-so-a' system, a linguistic pattern where words starting with 'ko' are near the speaker, 'so' are near the listener and 'a' are far from both.
Examples in context
- それは本です。That is a book.
- あれは車です。That is a car.
- あれは本当に大きい！That is really big!
- これかあれか、どちらでもいいです。kore ka are ka, dochira demo ii desu.Either this or that is fine.
- これかあれか、どっちが欲しい？kore ka are ka, dotchi ga hoshii?Which do you want, this or that?
Example conversation
Hiromi and Hiroto are looking at two different snacks in a shop.
- 陽葵 Himariこれかあれか、どっちにする？kore ka are ka, dotchi ni suru?This or that, which are you going with?
- 大翔 Hirotoこれかあれか、迷うなあ。kore ka are ka, mayou naa.I'm torn between this or that.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔なら、どっちが食べたい？Hiroto nara, dotchi ga tabetai?Hiroto, which one do you want to eat?
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、これにするよ。jaa, kore ni suru yo.Then, I'll go with this one.
