Learning Japanese: Demonstrative Questions with Two Choices

#japanese #language

Today, I learned how to ask about an object using demonstratives when there are two specific options to choose from.

1. The Question Pattern

To ask “Is this A or B?” in Japanese, we use the following pattern:

Formula: これは A ですか、B ですか？

Explanation:

  • これ (kore): This (object near the speaker)
  • A / B: The two choices
  • ですか (desu ka): Question marker
  • 、 (comma): Separates the options (acts like “or”)

2. Variations (Distance)

Just like the standard demonstratives, this pattern changes based on the distance of the object from the speaker and listener:

  • それは A ですか、B ですか？
    (Is that A or B?) — near the listener
  • あれは A ですか、B ですか？
    (Is that A or B?) — far from both

3. Examples

  • これはりんごですか、みかんですか？
    (Is this an apple or an orange?)

  • これはいぬですか、ねこですか？
    (Is this a dog or a cat?)

  • これはケーキですか、パンですか？
    (Is this a cake or bread?)

Summary

  • Pattern: [Demonstrative] は A ですか、B ですか？

Source