Japanese dictionary
How to say "which" in Japanese
どれどれ · dore
"Which" in Japanese is どれ (dore) when choosing from three or more, and どちら (dochira) when choosing between two. Before a noun, use どの (dono).
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Ways to say "which" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| どれどれ · dore | Which (of three or more). |
| どちらどちら · dochira | Which (of two); which one (polite). |
| どのどの · dono | Which (before a noun). |
How to use it
"Which do you prefer, A or B?" is AとB、どちらがいいですか.
The casual form of どちら is どっち (docchi).
Example sentences
- どれがいいですか。Dore ga ii desu ka.Which one would you like?
- コーヒーと紅茶、どちらがいいですか。Kōhī to kōcha, dochira ga ii desu ka.Which would you prefer, coffee or tea?
- どの電車に乗ればいいですか。Dono densha ni noreba ii desu ka.Which train should I take?
- どちらでもいいです。Dochira demo ii desu.Either is fine.
- どれが田中さんのかばんですか。Dore ga Tanaka-san no kaban desu ka.Which bag is Mr. Tanaka's?
- どっちにする？Docchi ni suru?Which one are you getting?
Questions
What is the difference between どれ and どちら?
どれ (dore) is for choosing among three or more. どちら (dochira) is for choosing between two, and is also more polite.
How do you say "Either is fine" in Japanese?
Say どちらでもいいです (dochira demo ii desu).
Using Japanese at work?
See Executive JapaneseExecutive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.