Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "either...or..." with 要么 (yàome)

    Structure

    要么 + Option A + 要么 + Option B

    Explanation

    The conjunction 要么 (yàome) is used in pairs to present two alternatives, similar to "either...or..." in English. It implies the listener must choose between the options given, and neither can be avoided. For example, 要么你来，要么我去 means "Either you come here, or I go there."

    Examples

    • 你要么坐车，要么走路。

      Nǐ yàome zuò chē, yàome zǒulù.

      You either take a car or walk.

    • 我们要么今天去，要么明天去。

      Wǒmen yàome jīntiān qù, yàome míngtiān qù.

      We'll go either today or tomorrow.

    • 要么你来找我，要么我去找你。

      Yàome nǐ lái zhǎo wǒ, yàome wǒ qù zhǎo nǐ.

      Either you come to me, or I come to you.

    Expressing "either...or..." with 要么 (yàome) | Chinese Grammar