Meaning
This grammar pattern is used to compare two items and ask which one has a particular quality. The speaker presents two options and asks the listener to choose which one better fits the adjective. Responses typically use 'noun1/noun2 のほうが adjective です' to choose one, or 'どちらも adjective です' when both options are equally true.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 疑问句 | 名詞1と 名詞2と どちらが 形容詞ですか |
| 回答（选择） | 名詞1／名詞2のほうが 形容詞です |
| 回答（两者都） | どちらも 形容詞です |
Examples
-
リンゴと みかんと どちらが 好きですか。
Which do you like better, apples or oranges? -
みかんの ほうが 好きです。
I like oranges better. -
キムさんと スミスさんと どちらが 日本語が 上手ですか。
Who speaks Japanese better, Kim or Smith? -
金さんの ほうが 上手です。
Kim speaks it better. -
この雑誌と その雑誌と どちらが 面白いと 思いますか。
Which magazine do you think is more interesting, this one or that one? -
どちらも 面白いです。
Both are interesting.
Summary
- Use to compare two nouns and ask which has a certain quality
- Answer with 'noun のほうが adjective' to choose one, or 'どちらも adjective' for both
- Common in casual conversation when seeking someone's opinion or preference between options