或…，或…
some …, others …; either … or …
Structure
主语 或 做法一 ， 或 做法二 （， 或 做法三）
What it means
Some …, others …; either … or …: each 或 brings in one of several things members of a group do, or one of several possibilities.
How it is built
Subject + 或 + action 1 + comma + 或 + action 2 (+ 或 + action 3), in verb phrases of similar length: 老人们或下棋，或打太极拳 (some old people play chess, others do tai chi).
When to use it
Written and formal, with a balanced rhythm. In conversation say 有的…，有的… or 要么…，要么…. A single 或 between two words is just short for 或者.
Watch out
Repeat 或 before every item. Not for questions asking someone to choose: ✗ 你或喝茶，或喝咖啡？ ✓ 你喝茶还是喝咖啡？
Examples
常驻义乌的外商，或开外贸公司，或开餐馆，不少人在这里成了家。
Of the foreign merchants who live in Yiwu, some run trading companies and others run restaurants, and many have married here.
周末的公园里，老人们或下棋，或打太极拳，或坐在湖边聊天。
At the weekend the old people in the park are playing chess, doing tai chi or sitting by the lake chatting.
这些小商品或销往中东，或销往非洲，很少留在国内。
These small goods are sold either to the Middle East or to Africa, and few stay at home.
Learn this in Lesson 184 · HSK 7–9: 义乌 (Yiwu, the world’s supermarket)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
Open the lesson →