HSK 4
或者⋯⋯，或者⋯⋯
huò zhě ⋯ ⋯ ， huò zhě ⋯ ⋯
either...or...
Explanation
This is a compound sentence expressing choice (选择复句 xuǎnzé fùjù — a compound sentence is one with two or more clauses linked by conjunctions), using the correlative conjunction pair 或者⋯⋯，或者⋯⋯ meaning 'either... or...'.
或者 (huòzhě) + choice 1，或者 (huòzhě) + choice 2 (a third 或者 can be added for a third choice). It lays out the possibilities and implies that only one need be chosen.
used in DECLARATIVE sentences (statements, proposals) to list feasible options. Often accompanied by 反正 (fǎnzhèng = anyway) or 都可以 (dōu kěyǐ = either is fine) to wrap it up.
或者 (huòzhě) is used in statements; whereas 还是 (háishi = or) is used in QUESTIONS when presenting choices (你去还是我去? = are you going or am I going?). Don't use 或者 to ask a choice question.
Vietnamese learners often use 还是 in declarative sentences because in Vietnamese both are 'hoặc/hay'; remember statements use 或者 and questions use 还是.
Examples
This matter should either be stopped quickly or started over from scratch.
For the summer break, either go to Shanghai or go to Hangzhou; either way, we have to travel somewhere.
The three of us: either you go, or I go, or he goes — whoever goes is fine.
Practice
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Learn “或者⋯⋯，或者⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “或者⋯⋯，或者⋯⋯” (either...or...) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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