یا تو ... یا

Either One Alternative or Another

Level 3

Make the two choices clear and parallel.

How It Works

The alternatives may be complete clauses or smaller phrases. A shared verb can appear once when its meaning is clear for both options.

Context determines whether the speaker requires one choice, offers possibilities, or is uncertain which statement is true. The words alone are not a formal rule about every possible combination.

Do not confuse the first تو here with a topic marker by itself. In یا تو it helps set up the choice introduced by یا.

Examples (4)

  1. یا تو ابھی چلیے یا کل آئیے۔

    Either leave now or come tomorrow.

    The two alternatives are complete actions.

  2. ہم یا تو بس سے جائیں گے یا پیدل۔

    We will go either by bus or on foot.

    The second travel option shares the verb.

  3. یا تو چابی میز پر ہے یا الماری میں۔

    The key is either on the table or in the cupboard.

    The speaker gives two possible locations.

  4. یا تو تم خط لکھو یا میں لکھوں۔

    Either you write the letter or I will.

    The verb form changes with each participant.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

یا تو ... یاLevel 3Either One Alternative or Another

Learn This First

Recognize the two alternatives before marking the pair explicitly.

Words in This Pattern

یاتو