というか～というか

or rather, or perhaps i should say, i mean

AI-generated

Structure

[noun] + というか + [noun] + というか [na-adj] + というか + [na-adj] + というか [i-adj] + というか + [i-adj] + というか [verb (plain)] + というか + [verb (plain)] + というか

Description

というか～というか offers two words for something and settles on neither: "X, or maybe Y – I can't quite say". Each というか goes straight after a plain-form word; a noun or な-adjective takes no だ. The sentence then usually gives an overall impression, or admits the thing is hard to put into words.

、。

She's conscientious, or maybe stubborn – she never changes her mind.

、。

That film was mysterious, or maybe just strange – I can't really put it into words.

、、。

After losing the match I felt frustrated, or maybe ashamed – I couldn't find the words.

The two words describe one impression from two angles, and they can be different parts of speech. A third というか can be added.

、。

Happy, surprised, relieved – it was a mixed feeling.

Once or twice

A single というか corrects what you just said: "or rather". The doubled pattern does not correct anything; it keeps both words in play.

、。

It's cold – or rather, it hurts.

、。

Cold, painful, whatever you call it – I can't stay outside.

というか～というか is spoken Japanese and fits casual and polite conversation alike. In formal speech it becomes といいますか; in writing the same hesitation is といおうか.

Examples

、。

His attitude is – cold, or maybe indifferent – anyway, it leaves a bad impression.

、。

This dish is – rare, or maybe unique – it's a flavor I've never tasted before.

、。

That person is – a genius, or maybe an eccentric – different from ordinary people.

、。

Her way of speaking is – polite, or maybe cautious – she thinks carefully before each word.

、。

My current job is – fun, or maybe rewarding – every day feels fulfilling.

、。

That proposal is – bold, or maybe reckless – it would probably be hard to pull off.

、。

His smile is – gentle, or maybe sad – I sense something complex in it.

、。

That shop's atmosphere is – retro, or maybe nostalgic – it reminds you of the Showa era.

、、。

Losing the match, I felt – frustrated, or maybe pathetic – I couldn't put it into words.

、。

The new boss is – strict, or maybe nitpicky – everything gets checked.

、。

This town is – quiet, or maybe desolate – there's nobody around at all.

、。

I was – surprised, or maybe exasperated – I couldn't believe he made the same mistake again.

といい～といい

というところ