或者（推測）

Perhaps

Level 3Sounds Like waak6 ze2

或者 (waak6 ze2) is the standard way to say 'or' in a statement (not a question) and also functions as 'perhaps' to soften suggestions.

How It Works

1. The Adverb 'Perhaps/Maybe'
或者 (waak6 ze2) is used at the beginning of a sentence or before a verb to express possibility. Compared to 可能 (ho2 nang4), which focuses on logical probability, 或者 is often used to offer a tentative suggestion or to soften a statement.

  • Example: 或者聽日先算啦 (waak6 ze2 ting1 jat6 sin1 syun3 laa1) - Perhaps we should just wait until tomorrow.

2. The Conjunction 'Or' in Statements
When you want to link two options in a declarative sentence, use 或者. This is an 'inclusive or,' meaning one, the other, or both could be true.

  • Structure: Option A + 或者 + Option B
  • Example: 我哋可以搭巴士或者搭地鐵 (ngo5 dei6 ho2 ji5 daap3 baa1 si2 waak6 ze2 daap3 dei6 tit3) - We can take the bus or the MTR.

⚠️ CRITICAL RULE: Alternative Questions vs. Statements/Yes-No Questions
The most common mistake for learners is using 或者 in an alternative question (where the listener must choose A or B). In Cantonese, you must distinguish between these types of 'or':

  • Alternative Questions (Choice): Use 定係 (ding6 hai6). In natural, everyday spoken Cantonese, this is frequently shortened to 定 (ding6).
  • Statements & Yes/No Questions: Use 或者 (waak6 ze2).
  • Incorrect (Choice): 你想飲咖啡或者茶？
  • Correct (Choice): 你想飲咖啡定係茶？ (nei5 soeng2 jam2 gaa3 fe1 ding6 hai6 caa4? - Do you want to drink coffee or tea?)
  • Correct (Yes/No): 你星期六或者星期日得唔得呀？ (nei5 sing1 kei4 luk6 waak6 ze2 sing1 kei4 jat6 dak1 m4 dak1 aa3? - Are you free on Saturday or Sunday?)

Note on Embedded Questions: Even if the overall sentence is a statement, if the 'or' is part of an indirect or embedded choice question (e.g., 'I don't know if it's A or B'), you must still use 定係 (ding6 hai6).

  • Example: 我唔知佢想食蘋果定係橙 (ngo5 m4 zi1 keoi5 soeng2 sik6 ping4 gwo2 ding6 hai6 caang2) - I don't know if he wants to eat apples or oranges.

3. Expressing 'Either... Or...'
While you might see the pattern 或者... 或者... in formal writing, it sounds stilted in conversation. To become proficient in natural speech, use 一係... 一係... (jat1 hai6... jat1 hai6...) instead. Native speakers frequently add 就 (zau6) after 一係 (i.e., 一係就... 一係就...) for better rhythm in spoken Cantonese.

Examples (4)

  1. 我哋可以搭巴士或者搭地鐵。

    We can take the bus or take the MTR.

    Word by Word: We can take bus or take MTR.

    Here, 或者 links two alternative modes of transport in a statement.

  2. 或者聽日先算啦。

    Perhaps [we should] just wait until tomorrow.

    Word by Word: Perhaps tomorrow first consider [particle].

    或者 is used here as a 'softener' to suggest a plan tentatively.

  3. 佢或者唔記得咗。

    Maybe he forgot.

    Word by Word: He perhaps not remember [perfective].

    In this context, 或者 expresses a possibility regarding someone's actions.

  4. 你想飲茶或者咖啡都得。

    It's fine if you want to drink tea or coffee.

    Word by Word: You want drink tea or coffee both okay.

    Even though this sentence mentions a preference, it is a statement of fact (both are okay), so 或者 is used instead of the question 'or'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 或者 when you want the listener to pick one.

    Different Meaning你要茶或者咖啡？
    你要茶定係咖啡？

    你要茶或者咖啡？ is a fine yes/no question (do you want some tea or coffee?). To make the listener choose one of the two, use 定係 (ding6 hai6): 你要茶定係咖啡？

  • Thinking 可能 (ho2 nang4) is the only way to guess about rain.

    Different Meaning或者聽日會落雨。
    可能聽日會落雨。

    Both are natural here. 或者聽日會落雨 sounds like the speaker's own guess, while 可能 (ho2 nang4) sounds like a more neutral chance of rain.

How It Connects

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或者（推測）Level 3Perhaps

Learn This First

To understand '或者' as 'perhaps', learners should first be familiar with its primary role as a conjunction ('or') in statements. It also helps to understand basic markers of possibility like '可能' and how sentence-final particles like '啦' are used to soften the delivery of such speculative statements.

Words in This Pattern