或……，或……
either … or …; some …, others …
Structure
主语 或 做法一 ， 或 做法二 （， 或 做法三）
What it means
A written pattern for listing alternatives, “either … or …”, or for “some …, others …” when describing a crowd.
How it is built
Subject + 或 + action 1 ， 或 + action 2 (， 或 + action 3): 市民们或散步，或跳舞，或打球 (some people stroll, some dance, some play ball). 或因…，或因… lists possible causes.
When to use it
Written. In speech say 有的…，有的… or 要么…，要么…; 或者…或者… sits in between.
Watch out
The subject comes once at the start, and 或 goes straight before each verb phrase. ✗ 或市民散步，或市民跳舞 ✓ 市民们或散步，或跳舞. Don't confuse 或 with 或许 (perhaps).
Examples
周末的公园里，市民们或散步，或跳舞，或在户外打球。
At the weekend the park is full of people, some strolling, some dancing, some playing ball in the open air.
减肥失败的原因很多，或缺乏耐心，或方法不对。
Diets fail for many reasons: a lack of patience, perhaps, or the wrong method.
Learn this in Lesson 114 · HSK 7–9: 国家喊你减肥 (Data story: the state wants you to lose weight)
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.
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