HSK 7
或⋯⋯ ，或⋯⋯
huò ⋯ ⋯ ， huò ⋯ ⋯
either...or...
Explanation
或……或…… (huò……huò……) is a pair of conjunctions (words linking clauses) used in an alternative compound sentence (a sentence presenting options), meaning 'either... or...', used to enumerate two or more possibilities that may occur.
或 (huò) + option A + ，或 (huò) + option B (+ ，或 option C...); the 或 clauses are parallel, enumerating mutually alternative cases.
when presenting several possible situations without yet determining which one; it carries a written nuance (in books and documents), more formal than the colloquial 或者……或者…… (huòzhě).
或……或…… (enumerating possibilities, may have many clauses) differs from 要么……要么…… (yàome, usually indicating just two decisive choices, 'either this or that'); 或……或…… is gentler and more conjectural in nature.
using 或……或…… in everyday speech sounds stiff (one should use 或者); and placing 或 in only one clause while forgetting to repeat it in the remaining clauses.
Examples
He hid the letter in some secret place, either under a rock or behind a tree.
Every time my aunt comes to my house, she brings along a group of friends, either two or three, or three or four, and everyone chats and laughs.
Practice
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Learn “或⋯⋯ ，或⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “或⋯⋯ ，或⋯⋯” (either...or...) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. 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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